Gifts of Galadriel Printable version

The Elven Gifts, often referred to as the Gifts of Galadriel, were items of significance given to each member of the Fellowship of The Ring, primarily to aid them during their quest.

History

On 16 February T.A. 3019, Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn, who ruled Lothlórien, the Elves' fairest realm, presented a personal gift to every member of the Fellowship. The presents were distributed before and during the parting feast by the Galadhrim. Aside from their practical usage, these gifts symbolized a deeper purpose.

Gifts of Galadriel

Frodo Baggins: Light of Eärendil Or Phial of Galadriel

One of the most memorable gifts of the Fellowship was a small glass bottle containing the light of Eärendil, the most favorite star of the Elves. The vial was filled with water from Galadriel's fountain. The glowing trinket was so bright and intense that it could frighten all the dark creatures and repel the vice minions. The gift symbolized the mythical and virtually good nature of Frodo's quest.

Samwise Gamgee: Rope / Earth & A Mallorn Seed

As per Tolkien's story, a precious box made of grey wood adorned with a silver charm on the top was gifted to Sam with G engraved on it. The box had the Earth from Galadriel's gardens and a seed of Mallorn tree. After returning from Mordor, Sam used the seed to restore the Shire after the Scouring by planting trees. In the movie, Sam is presented with an Elven rope. The rope, robust than usual, was possessed by Sam both in the book and the movie. The rope made of Hithlain demonstrated the Elves' exemplary rope-making skills as it could unfurl even at the gentlest of pulls. This gift symbolized the role of Sam as excellent support for Frodo and not just a mere fighter.

Meriadoc Brandybuck & Peregrin Took: Shining Silver Belt / Daggers

Both received the favorite belt of the Lothlorien Elves, a Silver Belt with Gold Flower-Shaped Clasp. In the movie, they were presented with daggers of the Ñoldorin. These gifts symbolically heightened the status of these two men.

Boromir: Gold belt

Boromir was the proud owner of a solid gold belt with leaves made of gold. The belt was crafted in Lorien. In the movie, Boromir received no present. [1]

Legolas: Bow With Arrows

Legolas was presented with a bow strung with elf-hair. It was designed by the Galadhrim to symbolize his exemplary archery skills.

Gimli: Few Strands of Galadriel's Hair

As per Gimli's request, he was presented with three strands of Galadriel's hair. Gimli, highly impressed by the elegance of Galadriel, desired to preserve his gift as an heirloom. He also felt that it would bring goodwill for the Dwarves and Elves. This gift symbolized the immaculateness of Gimli. [2]

Aragorn: Scabbard & Elessar

Aragorn received the Elvish green Elessar left by Arwen. The gemstone was set in a silver brooch carved in the shape of an Eagle. A mystical scabbard, which when used to hold a sword, would never damage it. In the movie, no such gifts were presented to Aragorn. He is just gifted a scabbard with Andruil by Elrond, which possessed no mystical powers. However, he received an Elvish hunting knife from Celeborn.

Fellowship of The Ring: Cloaks

All members of The Fellowship except Gandalf were presented with Elven cloaks netted by Galadriel and her maidens. The cloaks made them invisible to enemies and sported a green leafy brooch veined with silver. She also stocked them with many sundries that came in handy during their quests.

References

1. ^Why was Boromir left out in receiving gifts from Galadriel?
2. ^The significance of Galadriel's gift to Gimli: Tolkien fans.