Why is Galadriel So Powerful | Middle Earth | The Lord of the Rings

Galadriel, the Lady of Lothlorien, was not just a figure to be reckoned with; she was a force that even Sauron, the Dark Lord himself, feared. As one of the most significant elves of the Second and Third Ages, she was also recognized as one of the most formidable beings to have ever graced Middle-earth. What, then, were the qualities that marked her as such a symbol of strength and power?

#lordoftherings #middleearth #silmarillion #thehobbit #tolkien

00:00 Intro
00:34 What defines a strong character
02:03 Her creation
03:51 Her people
04:44 Her roots
05:51 Her abilities
07:25 Her ring
08:12 Her rejection

[karlgrimm]

In the books Galadriel is literally older than the Sun.

[uberrod]

it should also be noted that she spent a long time in Doriath that was protected by the Girdle of Melian. I'm sure she learned how to do this herself as Lorien was protected by her power in much the same way. She also learned from the Valar themselves while in Valinor. Don't overlook the training she gained.

[soyivangarcia]

Important fourth factor: she's not a common Noldor, her grandmother is a Vanyar princess, the wisest and less numerous among the elves, and her mother a princess of the Teleri (Thingol's niece indeed) the more connected to nature and magical ones, so Galadriel has top blood of the three clans, and golden (vanyar) -silver (teleri) hair, when noldor are dark haired. In Tolkien's standards when you mix families or races, you get more powerfull-special beings, like you see in the lineage of Luthien, Elrond, etc.

[peterratter]

Cate Blanchett did such a stellar job, that I cannot imagine anyone else in the role. However, knowing that Peter Jackson originally wanted Lucy Lawless as Galadriel, I try to imagine that more 'warrior' aspect as described in the books.

[neilf]

she was also of the vanyar through her grandmother (Indis) and teleri through her mum (Earwen). Not just her noldorin heritage which gives her a special place in Tolkien's elven hierarchy. She's got all three royal bloodlines..

[gravewalkers]

Tolkien has a good system that could be used for role playing games. Powerful people are not like regular people because they have the presence in the 'spirit dimension'. The Witch King is pretty much scared of Glorfindel. In the spirit world, Glorfindel glows like Captain Atom. Elves who lived in the illumination of the Two Trees absorbed a lot of spirit radiance, and having a Simaril baths you in that radiance. The light vial that Samwise carried had the spirit radiance. For normal humans, they cannot see the spirit world to appreciate that half the battle is taking place there.

[blkluster]

Anytime I watch on of these vids, the authors always forget Galadriel was a student of Melian the Maiar in Menegroth. This training also gave her great wisdom and power. This is scene in how she protects Lorien as did Melian with her Girdle.

[Makkaru]

Here is more stuff that connects to when Morgoth killed Fëanor’s father Finwë (as I described in the beginning of this in Part 1 of Galadriel’s Mark Of Tragedy):

•The First Kinslaying occurred before the Helcaraxë. It took place in the city of Alqualondë on the shores of Aman when the Noldor, lead by Fëanor, stole the ships of the Teleri (which also that clan didn’t like the energy coming from Fëanor but also didn’t want to start another war with Morgoth ontop of Teleri being rather peaceful in general; along with the fact it was all just a bit rash on their perspective so to speak to leave for Middle-earth, resulting in the deaths of many Teleri.


This act was a major turning point in the history of the Elves and led to the estrangement of the Noldor and the Valar. This is the battle where I may have mentioned in the Galadriel hair comment. Where she was defending her mothers people from Fëanor and his army which is one of the main reasons he backed the hell off. She’s a very cool character. One of the most beloved still alive in middle ear to after so many ages of the world had passed into the third age that you’re watching this movie in!)


•The decision to leave Aman and journey to Middle-earth was a choice made by the Noldor, led by Fëanor, on their own. They were driven by their desire to reclaim the Silmarils, which had been stolen by Morgoth, and to avenge the deaths of their kin who had been killed in the pursuit of the jewels.

The journey through the Helcaraxë was a difficult one, and many of the Noldor perished along the way. However, it was not seen as a punishment, but rather as a test of endurance and resilience. Those who survived the journey were strengthened by it and became more powerful as a result.

In summary, the First Kinslaying occurred before the Helcaraxë, and the decision to leave Aman and journey to Middle-earth was made by the Ñoldor on their own. The Helcaraxë was a difficult journey, but it was seen as a test of endurance on its own rather than a punishment.

This isn’t even 10 percent of the whole story just with her life and the life of her family shaped middle earth as we know it and made sure survival into the ages was even possible. Especially for both men and elves. She even among many elves is a living example of a bygone era for both kindreds.

[jonrwert]

Great summary of her power. I would just add, or maybe emphasize a little bit more, her wisdom gained through all the trials and tribulations in Middle Earth. The harrowing crossing of the Helcaraxe, and all that came to pass to her family and people for thousands of years. She was one of the oldest Noldor left in ME by the end of the Third Age and had strategized and "spiritually battled" the forces of Morgoth, if you will, for thousands of years. One of the most experienced and wisest people around.

[jorgebs]

She destroys Dol Guldur when the one ring is already destroyed. So her ring has no longer power and even without it, she destroys the fortress

[beornthebear.]

What makes them powerful? All of the above, and more. Aragarn also showed little willingness to take his inherited position. Like Galadriel, neither pushed their opportunity for authority. This humility is a strength in itself; it makes someone less easily corruptible (as human kings except Aragorn became corrupted, and became the Nazgul). Galadriel and Aragorn both resisted the ring.

[Makkaru]

You’ll love the full scene with Frodo+Sam &Galadriel the great Peter Jackson & team didn’t seem to include.. which all this little stuff lead to that scene in the movies which gave it more meaning; & the”one who has seen the eye” thing was a mistake by the team. It gave the wrong message and was not needed as it lead some reactors to be like “so creepy lol” which diminishes how much farther that well done scene could have gone especially in the extended to do it properly as in the books that latex it out perfectly.: •[Frodo] stepped back shaking all over & looked at the Lady. “I know what it was that you last saw”, she said; 'for that is also in my mind. Do not be afraid! But do not think that only by singing amid the trees, nor even by the slender arrows of elven-bows, is this land of Lothlórien maintained and defended against its Enemy. I say to you, Frodo, that even as I speak to you, I perceive the Dark Lord and know his mind, or all of his mind that concerns the Elves. And he gropes ever to see me and my thought. But still the door is closed!'

She lifted up her white arms, and spread out her hands towards the East in a gesture of rejection and denial. Eärendil, the Evening Star, most beloved of the Elves, shone clear above. So bright was it that the figure of the Elven-lady cast a dim shadow on the ground. Its rays glanced upon a ring about her finger; it glittered like polished gold overlaid with silver light, and a white stone in it twinkled as if the Evenstar had come down to rest upon her hand. Frodo gazed at the ring with awe; for suddenly it seemed to him that he understood.

'Yes, ' she said, divining his thought, 'it is not permitted to speak of it, and Elrond could not do so. But it cannot be hidden from the Ring-bearer, and one who has seen the Eye. Verily it is in the land of Lórien upon the finger of Galadriel that one of the Three remains. This is Nenya, the Ring of Adamant, and I am its keeper.

'He suspects, but he does not know — not yet. Do you not see now wherefore your coming is to us as the footstep of Doom? For if you fail, then we are laid bare to the Enemy. Yet if you succeed, then our power is diminished, and Lothlórien will fade, and the tides of Time will sweep it away. We must depart into the West, or dwindle to a rustic folk of dell and cave, slowly to forget and to be forgotten.'

Frodo bent his head. 'And what do you wish?' he said at last.

'That what should be shall be, ' she answered. 'The love of the Elves for their land and their works is deeper than the deeps of the Sea, and their regret is undying and cannot ever wholly be assuaged. Yet they will cast all away rather than submit to Sauron: for they know him now. For the fate of Lothlórien you are not answerable but only for the doing of your own task. Yet I could wish, were it of any avail, that the One Ring had never been wrought, or had remained for ever lost.'

'You are wise and fearless and fair, Lady Galadriel, ' said Frodo. 'I will give you the One Ring, if you ask for it. It is too great a matter for me.'

Galadriel laughed with a sudden clear laugh. 'Wise the Lady Galadriel may be, ' she said, 'yet here she has met her match in courtesy. Gently are you revenged for my testing of your heart at our first meeting. You begin to see with a keen eye. I do not deny that my heart has greatly desired to ask what you offer. For many long years I had pondered what I might do, should the Great Ring come into my hands, and behold! it was brought within my grasp. The evil that was devised long ago works on in many ways, whether Sauron himself stands or falls. Would not that have been a noble deed to set to the credit of his Ring, if I had taken it by force or fear from my guest?

'And now at last it comes. You will give me the Ring freely! In place of the Dark Lord you will set up a Queen. And I shall not be dark, but beautiful and terrible as the Morning and the Night! Fair as the Sea and the Sun and the Snow upon the Mountain! Dreadful as the Storm and the Lightning! Stronger than the foundations of the earth. All shall love me and despair!'

She lifted up her hand and from the ring that she wore there issued a great light that illuminated her alone and left all else dark. She stood before Frodo seeming now tall beyond measurement, and beautiful beyond enduring, terrible and worshipful. Then she let her hand fall, and the light faded, and suddenly she laughed again, and lo! she was shrunken: a slender elf-woman, clad in simple white, whose gentle voice was soft and sad.

'I pass the test, ' she said. 'I will diminish, and go into the West and remain Galadriel.'

They stood for a long while in silence. At length the Lady spoke again. 'Let us return!' she said. 'In the morning you must depart for now we have chosen, and the tides of fate are flowing.'

'I would ask one thing before we go, ' said Frodo, 'a thing which I often meant to ask Gandalf in Rivendell. I am permitted to wear the One Ring: why cannot I see all the others and know the thoughts of those that wear them?'

'You have not tried, ' she said. 'Only thrice have you set the Ring upon your finger since you knew what you possessed. Do not try! It would destroy you. Did not Gandalf tell you that the rings give power according to the measure of each possessor? Before you could use that power you would need to become far stronger, and to train your will to the domination of others. Yet even so, as Ring-bearer and as one that has borne it on finger and seen that which is hidden, your sight has grown keener. You have perceived my thought more clearly than many that are accounted wise. You saw the Eye of him that holds the Seven and the Nine. And did you not see and recognize the ring upon my finger? Did you see my ring?' she asked turning again to Sam.

'No, Lady, ' he answered. 'To tell you the truth, I wondered what you were talking about. I saw a star through your finger. But if you'll pardon my speaking out, I think my master was right. I wish you'd take his Ring. You'd put things to rights. You'd stop them digging up the gaffer and turning him adrift. You'd make some folk pay for their dirty work.'

'I would, ' she said. 'That is how it would begin. But it would not stop with that, alas! We will not speak more of it. Let us go!'


When] at last all that [Galadriel] had desired in her youth came to her hand, the Ring of Power and the peaceful rule of Middle-earth which she had dreamed... her wisdom was full grown and she rejected it....


Meaning definitely by now it’s become trivial to her. Even back in the day he couldn’t find her or pierce her mind and whenever he went looking for her presence he boils t find her ALL AT THE SAME TIME AS HER BEING ABLE TO READ HIS OWN MIND WITHOUT HIM KNOWING! Often times even from a great distance. That’s power. Just one calm look from her is all it takes to send even the Nazgûl run away from her. They even avoid her realm entirely both because of its own power as well as they know exactly who she is and her exact lineage through themselves being very old. 4000+years old. Especially the WitchKing(head Nazgûl). Remember Númenorean men are not like other average men. They were known to be rather superhuman & very tall. Between 6-8 feet.

[heidibrown]

Not only did Galadriel study at the feet of Melian the Maiar, but also from Yvanna in the gardens of Valinor. By not only learning from them, but putting their lessons to the best use!

[macewindu]

Such a magnificent summary presented with a grace that could move even the most restrained being to tears. Her presence inspires good deeds and serves as a beacon to all that is just and kind, yet firm and unwavering in the face of darkness.

[Makkaru]

(My fixed version of my past comment) - Galadriel's life was marked by much loss & tragedy part 1. She lost many family members, including her brothers Aegnor & Angrod, who died in the War of Wrath, a great conflict between the forces of the Valar and Morgoth.


She also lost her grandfather, Finwë, who was slain by Morgoth by a terrible & unholy lighting strike that left his body broken but one can imagine he was just as mighty as Fëanor by being the FATHER, Morgoth himself being responsible for the deaths of her uncles Fëanor (& Fingolfin quite a bit later on when he faced off one on one with Morgoth/Melkor and left the fallen Valar 7 permanent wounds which left him eternally limp to the point of being mocked by his generals and the like indefinitely which left Morgoth in intense pain forever!)

Fëanor was Galadriel's half-uncle, as he was the son of Finwë by his first wife Míriel. Fëanor's sons were therefore Galadriel's first cousins. Most of Fëanor's sons died in the wars that followed the theft of the Silmarils, including the tragic deaths of Celegorm & Curufin, who were slain by their own cousin, Lúthien's son Dior.

Galadriel also lost her relative Aredhel, who was her cousin, & Aredhel’s brother; king Turgon of the hidden kingdom of Gondolin. These losses weighed heavily on Galadriel, but she remained strong and resolute in the face of adversity.

Fëanor's death was a tragic event that marked the beginning of the First Age of Middle-earth. After Morgoth stole the three Silmarils, Fëanor swore an oath to retrieve them, even if it meant going to war with the Valar themselves. Fëanor led the Ñoldor in their rebellion against the Valar, & he and his sons played a significant role in the events that followed.

Fëanor was eventually slain by Balrogs, demonic creatures who served Morgoth, during the flight of the Ñoldor from Middle-earth. His death marked the end of an era, & his legacy continued to be felt in Middle-earth for many ages to come.


Fingolfin's death was no less tragic. He challenged Morgoth to single combat & fought valiantly against him, but he was ultimately slain by the Dark Lord. His death inspired many to rise up against Morgoth, & his legacy continued to inspire the people of Middle-earth for many ages to come.


Despite the many losses she suffered, Galadriel remained a powerful and influential figure in Middle-earth, & her wisdom & knowledge continued to be sought after by many.



Galadriel's history is rich & complex, & she played a significant role in the events of Middle-earth. She was born in the Undying Lands before the creation of the sun and moon, and she was a member of the Noldor, one of the three Elven races.

Galadriel's family, the House of Finarfin, was closely connected to the Vanyar, the first of the three Elven races to journey to the Undying Lands. Galadriel's grandmother, Indis, was a Vanya, and her mother, Eärwen, was a Teleri princess who married Finarfin.

Galadriel's father & brothers participated in the rebellion of the Noldor against the Valar, which resulted in the exile of the Noldor from the Undying Lands. Galadriel, however, did not participate in the horrifying kinslaying, protecting her mothers people from Fëanor’s onslaught at Alqualondë instead, — returning in the Undying Lands for a while longer before reuniting with her people still travelling the Helcaraxë.

As I recall her father was with the others that returned to Valinor at the Doom Of Mandos which in basic terms set a warning prophesy sort of thing where if they left Valinor it’d cause a domino effect throughout time etc. but Fëanor’s fire burned inside and he had a HUGE bone to pick with Morgoth.


So that’s what was mainly leading him there but it was several years long of travel on what was called the Helcaraxë (grinding ice wastes) Galadriel did end up there but through other means as her way to middle earth let’s just say lead her to there where she sort of rendezvoused with her family and helped lead her people to middle earth. Many died on this trip of HARSH conditions.).




During the Third Age, Galadriel played a key role in the events leading up to the War of the Ring. She helped the Fellowship of the Ring by giving them gifts, advice, and guidance, and she played a significant role in the defeat of Sauron. (She played a bigger role than shown in the movies)

Galadriel possessed many magical abilities, including the power to read minds, the ability to communicate telepathically, & the power to cast spells but above all was her ability to project herself across large distances(not teleporting, think more like a sort of mental and spiritual projection similar to astral travel) She was also renowned for her beauty & grace, and her wisdom and knowledge were highly respected by the Free Peoples of Middle-earth.

Overall, Galadriel's long life and rich history make her one of the most intriguing and powerful characters in J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth legendarium.




Galadriel is one of the oldest and most powerful beings of the Elven race left in middle earth. According to Tolkien's writings, Galadriel was born in Tirion in the Undying Lands(which means untouched By Morgoth’s Ring where he poured his essence and malice into the earth itself. Middle Earth. Not all of Eä(the world), also known as Aman, which existed before the creation of the sun and moon.

And this landmass used to be closer to middle earth and existed long before Middle Earth became what it was as a landmass in itself due to the reshaping of the world a few times due to Valar’s battles with Melkor along with natural shifts over the millions of years etc.

The creation of the sun and moon occurred after the Two Trees of Valinor, which provided light to the world, were destroyed. This event, known as the Darkening of Valinor, marked the end of the First Age of Middle-earth.

Based on Tolkien's timeline, the events of the First Age occurred approximately 5, 000 years before the start of the Second Age. The Second Age lasted for approximately 3, 441 years, and the Third Age lasted for approximately 3, 019 years.

Therefore, if Galadriel was born in the Undying Lands before the creation of the sun & moon, it is estimated that she would be at least 25, 000 years old by the end of the Third Age, which is when the events of The Lord of the Rings take place. This calculation is based on the assumption that Galadriel was born before the start of the First Age and that she has lived through all three ages, which is supported by Tolkien's writings.




Most important thing here is about Galadriel’s eldest brother Finrod: Finrod Felagund, also known as Findaráto, was a noble elf of rarer mixed heritage just like his younger sister & brothers, the Noldor/Vanyar/Teleri renowned for his wisdom and fairness but also his valiance. He was the eldest son of Finarfin, one of the three sons of Finwë who was the High King of the Noldor.

Finrod played a crucial role in the events that led to the creation of Númenor. When the Valar summoned the Noldor to return to Valinor, Finrod and his companions chose to stay in Middle-earth and establish their own kingdoms. During their travels, they encountered the Edain, a group of mortal Men who were the mightiest of them all and the elves considered them equals!!!

They became friendly and open to the elves. Finrod was particularly impressed by their courage and loyalty, and he became the first elf to befriend them.


As time passed, Finrod & the 3 main Houses Of The Edain formed a close bond. Teaching them many things about the world and the lore of the elves. He also helped them in their struggles against the dark forces of Morgoth since even before meeting the elves. The Edain pledged their allegiance to the elves and fought alongside them in many battles. He even learned their language due to his way of reading hearts and minds which essentially aided hugely in his learning how their language worked etcetera.


Eventually, the deeds of Finrod and the Edain were recounted in the halls of the Valar, and the Valar took pity on the mortal Men. They decided to give them a gift, and thus Númenor was created, a great island kingdom in the middle of the sea, where Men could live in peace and prosperity.


-

As for Finrod Felagund, [Galadriel’s Eldest Brother], he did not live to see the rise of Númenor, for he perished in a battle against a werewolf in the dungeons of Tol-in-Gaurhoth, also known as Sauron's Isle. Protecting Beren, saving his life by breaking free from his own chains to kill that same werewolf with his bare hands and teeth. Facing off with Sauron before that. He and Beren were forced to watch the elvish companions who were most loyal to Finrod get ripped apart by said werewolves

-

He was a true friend to the first of mankind to show up in middle earth, the Edain, and played a key role in the creation of Númenor. He was also close to his sister Galadriel, and together they shared many adventures and battles. (I’ll share the significance of Elrond’s father which is the main character in how his deeds lead to the assistance from Valinor to help insurmountable odds and circumstances regarding Morgoth to take his physical form out of the picture for good in what’s called the War Of Wrath which was 80 years long nonstop. But I’ll go into it more when I share about Elrond in a different comment which I may save for the second movie or if you want I can post it below this video!)

In the end, Finrod's legacy lived on through his deeds and his influence on the fate of Middle-earth. His noble example inspired many, including Aragorn, who was born centuries later & gave him the chance to claim the throne of Gondor & Arnor/Anor as a descendant of the line of Elronds Twin brother who was first king Of Númenor and started the line of the Faithful Númenoreans.

[allenrussell]

During the return trip from Gondor she, Celeborn, Gandalf, and Elrond sit in the woods of Dunland holding "court" speaking mind to mind without words. She was not the only telepath.

[Mrmagil]

Galadriel lacking in ambition?!? Feanor appealed to her ambitions to rule wide realms in Middle Earth, something that she never truly put aside until she refused the ring. She remained an exile in Middle Earth in large part because of her pride and ambition.

Galadriel gained humility and wisdom over centuries, but it came hard to her.

“I will diminish, and go into the west, and remain Galadriel”, the sole surviving leader of the Noldorian rebellion.

[rofflestomp]

That was a fair description of Galadriel. When I watched the ROP on Amazon, she was portrayed as a petulant child. How could they do that? Anyway, that's not Tolkien.
She could bring forth power and direct it. High elf stuff. I will stick to this concept. So, thanks.

[mypeeps]

Knowledge, Patience, humility and understanding were the gifts from Melian. If only Melian's husband would do the same....

[Makkaru]

((My improved version)) - “I shall NOT be dark, all EVIL will despair” part 2 - All creatures whose flesh are nourished by the matter of Arda have a tendency towards Melkor AKA Morgoth, for greater or lesser. Since Melkor poured his evil power into the very existence and essence of the world(Morgoth’s Ring” book explains a lot including how and when he put a portion of his remaining power into the earth itself.


Sure, Galadriel was born in the Undying Lands where there was supposed to be no evil (souls of the Elves are greatly less subject to making faulty decisions), but Galadriel & the rest of her father's kin were directly targeted by the Evil Lord himself. Melkor corrupted a decent portion of the Noldor, basically telling them things along the lines of “My Valarin kin are cooping you all up in Valinor.”, which wasn’t their ancestral homeland to begin with, like Middle Earth was, Some were affected little, most were affected to greater degrees, and Galadriel was the least affected woman by the lies of Melkor, which were “sweet but poisoned honey" as she’d call his words.

Her natural pious tendency towards goodness & kindness as shown by her ability to read the hearts of everyone and all living beings around her which aids her to provide what anyone truly needs. Due to the magic bleeding from the world as the ages went on; thanks to Morgoth’s Ring poisoning the earth long ago; lead to a what if scenario in her mind as she’d be the only living creature left with the skills & power to even use the ring.


She didn’t need her ring at all to block him out of her realm telepathically as well as read his mind from afar without him knowing. But there is a difference between good people who are a bit morally challenged and the evil people.


The evil folk act upon their impulses and unlawful desires, while the good folk overcome such flaws within themselves (and for some not always they can masterfully do this). Galadriel WOULD NEVER listen to Melkor and tread the path of toxic pride and ambition.


Galadriel has a Fëa spirit that’s only grown larger as the ages passed on and on. Enough to channel into an effect that threw down fortress walls, without tiring her at all. And with that much Fëa, she is capable of holding her own against Maiar for a good long while, much like her brother Finrod did against Sauron, or her uncle Fëanor did against Balrogs.

Fëanor effectively lost all claim to the crown when he rebelled and dragged his entire house to Middle Earth. Where he promptly died a heroic death after slaying several Balrogs at the Dagor-nuin-Giliath; The Elves first encountered Lord Of Balrogs named Gothmog in the Dagor-nuin-Giliath; (meaning “the battle fought under stars”) before the first rising of the Moon.

In that battle, Fëanor's fury had caused him to draw forward of the main force of the Noldor, and so he came upon Gothmog with only a small guard left around him that rushed so deep into enemy territory.



Fëanor slayed 2 or 3 balrogs at once & Gothmog slayed him after one bound him suddenly with its primordial flame whip when he was supposed to have an uninterrupted “one on one” duel with Gothmog but one wasn’t wanting to play fair. But he was fatally wounded and so his sons and host moved him away to a safe place where his body burned up from the fires of his own spirit.


Even with a lesser ring like Nenya, Galadriel had enough of a boost in her Fëa(spirit), that she could sustain an unassailable magical realm against Maiar and virtually anything on Middle-Earth. Only problem was when Sauron wore the one ring, she had to take off Nenya, and had to lose that Maia level Fëa spirit from the modernly termed “boosted power up”
With the one ring, Galadriel would have such a boost in her Fëa spirit, that she’d literally become stronger than the foundations of the Earth.

Due to Galadriel’s immense native Fëa, she was prone to a super healthy pride and a small lust for dominion/ but not domination, her goodness kept this pride from going over to the dark side. Galadriel at heart was extremely good so she’s definitely not evil. She never once is called queen or desires to be called such a thing, she and her husband Celeborn became the wiseman and wisewoman of that realm; after the previous elven lord Amroth died and his wife Nimrodel disappeared ontop of the fact Amroth’s Successor later died as well in the “Last Alliance”, (same battle shown in the prologue to Fellowship Of The Ring), All Evil Despairs at her presence let alone hearing her name on the wind.


The Nazgûl themselves avoid her realm every chance they get to the point of choosing to go the long way around for over 100 miles just to avoid her. (So she’s definitely scary to foul entities that have turned away from Eru Îlluvatar the one AllFather.)

She’s a totally good character. Aragorn even says to the Fellowship as they enter Lothlórien, “There is in her and this land no evil, unless a man bring it hither himself. Then let him beware!” If you’re going by her portrayal in the movies, you might think she has an evil element to her character, but that came from Peter Jackson’s portrayal of the addictive, coercive power of the Ring. When Frodo offered her the Ring, it presented her with visions of herself as the all-powerful Goddess of Middle-Earth.


Luckily, she was smart & intuitive enough to realize that the Ring was totally evil, and despite the best of intentions, it would have turned her evil in the end—but she still would have appeared to be beautiful and good. I don’t agree with Jackson’s “drowned Galadriel” portrayal of her being tempted by the Ring—I think she’d have appeared as a supernatural being of divine beauty, and her regular appearance was close to that already, but how do you show that in a movie? Apparently, in her youth in Valinor, she was somewhat of a rebel, but that’s not necessarily evil.

She certainly could have fallen into the same trap as her uncle Fëanor did, of thinking that everyone was entitled to her opinion—but she kept her ego in check. (If you’re not sure what I’m referring to there; please read The Silmarillion and “Unfinished Tales”.)



No matter how noble her reason was to use the ring as a last resort, especially if said fellowship fell off the “edge of the knife” as she called it. she had a change of heart which happened in the middle of talking to Frodo.

Galadriel left Valinor(The Undying Lands) for a reason - and it was different from most of the other elves.
She wasn’t with her uncle Fëanor, who wished to make war against Morgoth and retrieve the Silmarils - she was not wishing to go to war, and had no interest in the Silmarils in which Melkor stole from Fëanor which was the surviving light of the two trees of Valinor within them that the only Fëanor; the master of all elven smiths could have accomplished but it could not be done a second time as is any pure creation of one’s heart, especially in regards to the elves and Valar alike.

Though she traveled with her other uncle, Fingolfin, her goals were not aligned completely with his either despite her full support of her noble and regal uncle Fingolfin in general.

- They both wished to keep an eye on Fëanor and make sure the Noldor were in good hands -

Galadriel wasn’t interested in Fëanor and wanted her own realm. After spending some time in Doriath, Galadriel and her husband Celeborn passed to the east out of Beleriand and passed eastward through Eriador and over the Misty Mountains; to where she founded her own realm in what became renamed as Lothlórien. Her motivation and goal was to preserve her realm, possibly at any means necessary.


With Sauron’s return in the Third Age, Galadriel was forced to ask herself how far she would go to preserve her realm. If Frodo failed, she must forsake her own ring & her realm. If he succeeds, her ring will lose power and her realm will fade. Would she seize the ring, taking Sauron’s power for her own, to save her realm? She decided she would not. She had decided to “test” the Fellowship, to find some flaw that would allow her to justify seizing the ring, and she did find a flaw - in herself. She stated to Frodo, that by telling her that he would offer her the ring if she asked, that she had come to test his heart, but found that he was testing hers.
She had a change of heart, she would pass into the West, and remain Galadriel.


Which one is better? Being born completely good and living your whole life without any evil inside, or having a character growth ?