Glorfindel

"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 clean, and his voice like music; on his brow sat wisdom, and in his hand was strength." —The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, Many Meetings. Glorfindel was one of the most gloriously powerful Firstborn Elf in all of Middle-earth during the Third Age. He was also the Lord of House of the Golden Flower in Gondolin. After he died, he returned to Middle-earth after his re-embodiment by the Valar as an emissary. With his return to Middle-earth, he carried out a similar mission to the Istari who came a few thousand years later.

Biography

Years of the Trees

During the Year of the Trees and the Noontide of Valinor, Glorfindel was born Tirion. After he was born, he then descended from a house of princes. He was the host of King Turgon and followed the House of Fingolfin when the Flight of the Noldor occurred. Although he did not take part in the Kinslaying at Alqualonde during the Flight of the Noldor. He only went to the Flight of the Noldor because he served with King Turgon.

First Age

In the First Age, Glorfindel accompanied Turgon and traveled to Gondolin after the exile. During Glorfindel's time in Gondolin, he became the Lord of the House of the Golden Flower and also served as a captain of the King in Gondolin. While he was at Gondolin, Glorfindel’s popularity grew and earned the love and respect of the Gondolindrim. At some point, Aredhel desired to leave Gondolin and search the Sons of Feanor and also because she wanted to be free again like in Valinor. Turgon Appointed Glorfindel, Ecthelion, and Egalmoth as Ardhel's escorts for the journey. They ventured forth from Gondolin in their quest to search for the Sons of Feanor. After a long journey, they arrived at Doriath. Doriath did not let them enter, though. They continued their journey, moving north near Nan Dungortheb, the Valley of Dreadful Death. [1] They lost Aredhel upon being caught in the shadows in Nan Dungortheb. They tried to search for Ardhel but failed and barely escaped alive. Due to their failure, they returned to Gondolin without Aredhel. Glorfindel accompanied Turgon in the battle that erupted known as Nirnaeth Arnoediad or The Battle of Unnumbered Tears. [2] Nirthaeth Arnoediad was the fifth battle in the Wars of Beleriand. When the battle turned sour for the alliance, the forces of Turgon and Fingon fell back to the Pass of Sirion. Glorfindel, together with Ecthelion, protected the retreat by guarding their allies’ flanks.

Fall of Gondolin

Gondolin was attacked in FA 510 by Melkor’s forces with the help of Maeglin’s treachery assisting them. It was up to Glorfindel and his followers to defend Gondolin. After the brutal assault, Melkor’s forces breached Gondolin. Glorfindel and what remains of his followers fell back deeper into Gondolin and defended the Great Market against the Orcs; Hopeful to ambush the Orcs there. Their plan failed to ambush the orcs and suddenly found themselves ambushed instead. Once the firedrake in the Great Market, they were able to fend off the ambush that trapped them.

They managed to break off from the ambush and retreat. The orcs then pursued them while they made their retreat. The House of the Harp came in to provide Gondolin with reinforcements after disobeying their Lord Saglant. After organizing themselves, the House of the Golden Flower gained their composure and regrouped at the Square of the King. They were one of the last Houses to fight and defend Gondolin.

It was up to Glorfindel and Tuor to defend the Square against the orcs. More support came to Glorfindel when Egalmoth arrived to provide more assistance. As battle viciously ensued, Ecthelion fell while fighting a Gothmog. In the middle of the brutal melee, King Turgon was slain and forced the Gondolindrim to escape using Idril’s Secret Way. Glorfindel once again protected the rear of the retreat, losing more of his followers. They planned to evacuate towards Cirith Thoronath for their escape. During their evacuation, one of the Balrogs rushed towards the refugees. Glorfindel quickly moved in to attack the Balrog that was about to rush them. He fought off the Balrog away from the refugees by hewing its iron helm.

With a strike to the Balrog’s belly, Glorfindel defeated the Balrog and left it falling down the cliff. But before Glorfindel could get to safety, the Balrog was able to grab his hair. The Balrog was then able to bring Glorfindel with it down into the abyss. Thoronder, the Lord of Eagles, later flew down into the void to recover Glorfindel's body. He then transported Glorfindel to his people who buried him at the top of the cliffs of the Mountains that surrounded Gondolin. People say that yellow flowers or celandine grew on his rocky burial mound.

Second Age

Return to Middle-earth

After Glorfindel died in the battle of Gondolin, his spirit went to the Halls of Mandos. Glorfindel spent a few years in the Halls of Mandos. With him are the spirits of the elves who also perished in the battle of Gondolin. His valiant bravery had saved the lives of many Elves during the defeat and fall of Gondolin. Because of his great deeds, he was re-embodied to serve in the middle-earth again. Glorfindel was sent back to Middle earth after a thousand years. He acted as Mamwe’s emissary of the Valar and endowed him with great powers that are almost as powerful as Maiar’s.

Third Age

Some believed that Glorfindel spent a considerable amount of time in Lindon. Glorfindel was with other noble Elves, such as Gil-galad, Cirdan, and Tuor's and Idril's descendant Elrond during his stay at Lindon.

Battle of Fornost

Do not pursue him! He will not return to this land. Far off yet is his doom, and not by the hand of man will he fall. —Glorfindel's prophecy about the Witch-king Glorfindel was the main reason for defeating the evil Witch-king of Angmar during the Battle of Fornost. The Witch-king of Angmar fled after his defeat; Glorfindel predicted that no mortal man can ever destroy the Witch-king. Glorfindel’s prediction came true a thousand years later during the Battle of the Pelennor Fields. The Witch-king was ultimately defeated at The Battle of the Pelennor by the woman, Eowyn of Rohan, and the hobbit Meriadoc Brandy.

War of the Ring

Suddenly into view below came a white horse, gleaming in the shadows, running swiftly. In the dusk, its headstall flickered and flashed, as if it were studded with gems like living stars. The rider’s cloak streamed behind him, and his hood was thrown back, his golden hair flowed shimmering in the wind of his speed. It appeared that white light was shining through the form and raiment of the rider, as if through a thin veil. —The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, Flight of the Ford. Glorfindel was dispatched by Lord Elrond a thousand years later to locate the hobbits Frodo and his companions.

He chased a handful of Nazgul and forced them to move away from the Ford of Bruinen. Glorfindel was able to locate the hobbits. When Glorfindel found the Hobbits, they proceeded to guide them in their journey towards their destination; only stopping when the Hobbits needed to rest. During their trek, they were ambushed by the Nazguls, wounding Frodo with a Morgul-knife. Glorfindel was forced to mount Frodo on his white horse Asfaloth and directed it to transport Frodo into Rivendell. The white horse Asfaloth moved swiftly and outran the black horses of the pursuing Nazguls. Asfaloth and Frodo managed to cross the Ford of Bruinen and into Rivendell.

Frodo was already severely weakened by the wound he received from the ambush when they arrived in Rivendell. Frodo refused the Riders when they pleaded for him to follow the Riders. Upon reaching Shallow Ford, the pursuing Nazguls dismounted their horses to continue their hunt. A torrent of enchanted water that guarded the entrance to Imladris charged with the power of Gandalf the Grey swept away the Nazguls that followed Frodo. Gandalf the Grey then took Frodo into his care along with the other Hobbits and guided them safely to Rivendell.

Glorfindel sat in a position of honor with Elrond and Gandalf at the Council of Elrond. A debate then started with the council regarding the fate of the Ring. Glorfindel suggested the One Ring should be given to Tom Bombadil and throw it into the depths of the sea. But by doing that, Gandalf the Grey believed the One can still reclaim the Ring after thousands of years. Glorfindel was considered as a part of the Fellowship of the Ring briefly. He was ruled out because his power would be of no use in conducting a secret mission to Mordor.

After the War

Aragorn and Arwen’s wedding occurred after the Ring’s destruction. Glorfindel, with Erestor and the sons of Elrond, was also at the wedding of Aragon and Arwen. No one knows the true fate of Glorfindel after the war. It has been speculated that Glorfindel sailed home to Valinor to rejoin his kin.

Character

Glorfindel's hair was infamous for his golden and sometimes described as yellow, color. He was one of the mightiest and bravest elves with excellent bodily, nobility, heroic and spiritual structure, and wisdom. The people of Gondolin adored him dearly and was deeply saddened when he fell in battle during The Battle of Gondolin trying to protect the retreating refugees. He was the reason why the Gondolindrims were able to escape the fall of Gondolin. His courage in defending the people of Gondolin was renowned by the Gondolindrim. Even in the face of the Nine Riders, Glorfindel’s strength did not dwindle. He displayed his intensity to defend Frodo from these Riders.

Power

In the battle for Gondolin, Glorfindel showed renowned endurance and strength, fighting for hours in a fierce melee. He was even able to fight and defeat a Balrog after hours of non-stop fighting. He was endowed with power similar to Maiar's by Manwe after his re-embodiment to perform his quests in Middle-earth. His angelic presence allowed him to fend off the Black Riders multiple times. He was known as one of the powerful elves from Rivendell because of the power he contains.

Etymology

Some believe his real name could have been Laurefindil. Laurefindil means “Golden-haired” in Quenya. The name derived from the word Laure meaning golden, and Findile which means a head of hair. The name Laurefindil, if translated to Sindarin, is Glorfindel. The name Glorfindel came from the word glaur and fin, which means golden and a lock of hair.

Parentage

No one is certain about Glorfindel’s Parentage, but some believed he descended from a house of princes and Gondolin’s noble elves. Some speculate that the Noldorin-Vanyaarin intermarriage is Glorfindel's real origin or the descent because of his hair color, similar to Finrod and Galadriel. Others say he is the kin of Turgon because of the loyalty he displayed while serving following Turgon, even though Turgon had dark hair. The Complete Guide to Middle-earth suggests that Glorfindel belongs to the House of Finarfin.

Other versions of the legendarium

There are two drafts of Glorfindel during Tolkien’s early work. There were two drafts of Glorfindel: Glorfindel of Gondolin and the other is Glorfindel of Rivendell. Glorfindel of Gondolin and Glorfindel of Rivendell were thought to be two different characters. During the writing of The Lord of the Rings, Tolkien used one of the elf names from his earlier work.

After the legendarium diversely grew, Tolkien chose an elf who had experienced a lot of battle and would be the perfect companion for Gandalf. In the Last Writings, Tolkien stated that Glorfindel of Gondolin and Glorfindel of Rivendell is the same Elf. He then became a living incarnate person again but was permitted to dwell in the Blessed Realm; for he had regained the primitive innocence and grace of the Eldar.

For long years Glorfindel remained in Valinor, in a reunion with the Eldar who had not rebelled, and in the companionship of the Maiar. To these, he had now become almost an equal, for though he was an incarnate (to whom a bodily form not made or chosen by himself was necessary), his spiritual power had been greatly enhanced by his self-sacrifice.

The History of Middle-earth, The Last Writings, Glorfindel

Tolkien decided to return Glorfindel to Middle-earth and had three options to choose from regarding Glorfindel’s return. The three options are Middle earth: SA 1200 Annatar’s appearance in Numenor. SA 1600 (the completion of Barad-Dur), and TA 1000 (along with the five Istari). Tolkien chose SA 1600 even though all three were viable.

Portrayal in Adaptations

Glorfindel was left out and replaced in the version of Ralph Bakshi’s The Lord of the Rings. Legolas was his replacement when Aragorn reunited with him before the battle of Ford of Bruinen.

Lord of the Rings Film Trilogy

Arwen filled Glorfindel’s role in accompanying Frodo Baggins’ journey to Rivendell in The Fellowship of the Ring. Glorfindel made an appearance in the defeat of Sauron during the prologue. Glorfindel also has a scene in The Return of the King. Glorfindel was walking beside Arwen in The Return of the King. Arwen was having a vision of Eldarion during the travel towards The Grey Havens while Glorfindel was beside her. His last scene in The Return of the King is during the crowning of King Elessar. He was between Legolas and Arwen during the crowning.

Radio versions

Voiced by John Webb, Glorfindel was part of the BBC’s Lord of the Rings radio serial conducted in 1981.

Video games

Glorfindel is a playable character in the campaign of a video game for PC called Battle for Middle-earth II. [3] In the videogame, he is equipped with silver armor and sword. The player can order him to mount Asfaloth, his horse. Glorfindel also has an ability that allows him to heal his wounded allies and increase their fighting strength. In the videogame, however, Glorfindel has silver hair. In the videogame, Glorfindel is with a dwarf leader Gloin and together, they must gather the dwarves and commence an attack against Sauron. During Glorfindel and Gloin’s campaign, they have achieved significant victories against the Goblins and forced them out of the roads. By gaining these victorious battles against the Goblins, Glorfindel and Gloin lessened Sauron’s control of the North.

Mission 1, Rivendell

In the first mission, Glorfindel, accompanied by a handful of Lorien Warriors, must journey to Rivendell. Glorfindel’s goal in Rivendell is to warn Arwen Undomiel of the approaching Goblins. During their journey towards their destination, they fought and defeated Goblins on their path to Rivendell. After defeating the Goblins, they were troubled by the fact that Goblins are near Rivendell; Goblins were never seen near Rivendell before. Upon reaching Elrond, Glorfindel alerts the men with the news of the approaching Goblin. Learning the news about Goblins, the elven warriors in the barracks took up arms and joined Glorfindel to fight the Goblins. Glorfindel prepares his men as multiple ranks of Goblins, a Cave Troll, and Mountain Giants attack their lines.

Glorfindel held long enough for Arwen to arrive with Rivendell Lances and Loreian Archers, along with the Eagles, to reinforce their lines. By increasing their numbers, Glorfindel and the elves turn their eyes unto the Goblin camp. The Goblins were overpowered against the elves’ fortified numbers when their camp got attacked. Glorfindel, along with his elves, were able to destroy the Wyrm after a lengthy battle, leading his troops to victory.

Mission 2, High Pass

On the second mission of the game, the player must control Glorfindel and Gloin and journey to High Pass. The reason why Glorfindel and Gloin must go to High Pass is that they must rally the Dwarves to destroy the Goblins. Glorfindel commands his men to build a base before setting out to High Pass accompanied by Elven Warriors and Gloin. Skirmishes occurred between Glorfindel's forces and Goblin sentries and lairs while traveling towards High Pass. Arriving at High Pass, Glorfindel finds his friend Haldir under ambush by the Goblins. Glorfindel charges the goblins to help his comrade and defeats the Goblins. After he rescues his friend, Glorfindel journeyed towards the Goblin base to destroy it. During their battle at the Goblin base, a Watcher in the water suddenly attacks Glorfindel. Glorfindel defeated the Watcher in the water in a fierce melee, forcing the remaining Goblins to flee.

Mission 3, Ettenmoors

In mission three, Glorfindel and Gloin learn of the Goblins' new leader, Gorkil. Upon gaining knowledge of Gorkil, Glorfindel and Gloin decide to bring their troops and attack the Goblin king. After arriving, Glorfindel and Gloin learn of an Elven settlement under siege by the Goblins. Glorfindel then leads his men towards the settlement to protect the Elves defending it. After lifting the Goblin siege, Glorfindel and his men set out to free a dormant Ent and gain its help to destroy the Goblin King's stronghold. Glorfindel and Gloin move towards the stronghold and attack it. Glorfindel and Gloin defeated the Goblin King in a fierce melee battle. Glorfindel and Gloin find a lone Dwarf prisoner after the battle who informs them that the Blue Mountains are suffering from the attacks of Drogoth, the Dragon. After the news about the Blue Mountains, Glorfindel and Gloin quickly journeyed to protect the Blue Mountains against Drogoth, the Dragon.

Mission 4, Blue Mountains

Glorfindel and Gloin were immediately under attack by Drogoth once they reached the Blue Mountains. Drogoth was too powerful and forced them to retreat inside a cave. Spiders attacked them after the retreat in the cave. After defeating the spiders, Glorfindel and his men built a base inside the cave. Glorfindel and his men proceeded to regroup inside the cave and prepare to attack again.

They rested and regrouped inside the cave and continued their journey towards the Blue Mountains. After a long battle, they finally reached the throne room. They have fought hard and defeated Drogoth inside the throne room, decreasing Sauron’s control. But even with their victory, the dwarves refused to help them. Disappointed, they left the Blue Mountains and towards the Grey Havens to seek the elves.
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Glorfindel and Gloin arrived at the Grey Haven and rushed towards the city to discover Corsairs attacking it. They attacked Corsairs and defeated them in battle while Dwarven Axe Throwers [4] went to the Blue Mountains to tell other Dwarves. They built an armada, with the city's help, and counter-attacked the Corsair fleet. After the naval battle, they were able to capture the Corsair shipwrights. Soon after, the Corsair and Goblin armada begin to attack. Glorfindel and Gloin, along with elves and dwarves, defeated the Corsairs and Goblins at the beach. Glorfindel forges an alliance between Dwarves and Elves after their victory over the dark forces. Arwen then arrives with news of Mirkwood’s invasion. Glorfindel and Gloin journey once again to defend Thranduil’s kingdom.

Trivia

Legolas replaced Glorfindel when leading the Hobbits and Strider to Rivendell in the 1978 film of The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien even considered Glorfindel to be part of the Blue Wizards, but later decided not to add him to the Blue Wizards. An exclusive sculpture of a Glorfindel bust was released in July 2007 by the 3-D entertainment model producer Gentle Giant Studios, Inc.​