Legolas of Mirkwood: Difference between revisions

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{{royalty infobox
{{sindar infobox
| image=[[Image:Jenny Dolfen - Legolas2.jpg|250px]] ''Legolas'' by Jenny Dolfen
| image=[[Image:Jenny Dolfen - Legolas2.jpg|250px]]
| name= Legolas Greenleef
| name= Legolas  
| hideb=yes
| othernames= ''Greenleaf'' (translation of his name)
| othernames=
| titles=Prince of [[Mirkwood]], member of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]]
| birth= Unknown
| birth= Unknown; c. [[Third Age 2400]][[Legolas disputes|*]]
| rule=
| realm= [[Mirkwood]]
| death= Sailed to [[Grey Havens]] in [[Fourth Age 120]].
| death= Went west [[Fourth Age 120]]
| realms= Mirkwood (prince)
| age= 600-800?[[Legolas disputes|*]]
| race=[[Elves|Elf]]
| parentage= [[Thranduil]] + ?
| spouse= None
| children=
| gender= Male
| gender= Male
| height=
| hair= Presumably dark; traditionally/possibly blond[[Legolas disputes|*]]
| hair= Probably dark brown (Blond in movies)
| eyes=
|}}
|}}
'''Legolas Greenleaf''' was an [[Elves|Elf]], a [[Sindar|Sinda]] prince who became a member of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]]. With his superior Elven eyesight and hearing, together with excellent skill at arms, particularly archery, Legolas was a valuable resource to the other eight members of the Fellowship. In ''[[Unfinished Tales]]'', however, [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]] states that in comparison to the rest, Legolas accomplished the least of the nine members of the Fellowship.


Legolas served as a link to the earlier story, ''[[The Hobbit]]'', because he (like [[Gimli]] the [[Dwarf]]) was the son of a character from the previous tale.  
Legolas ([[S.]] for Greenleaf) was a [[Sindar]]in prince of the [[Silvan]] realm of [[Mirkwood]], the only recorded son of King [[Thranduil]].  He became famous because of his membership in the [[Fellowship of the Ring]], in which he served as one of their most valuable assets because of his superior sight, hearing, lightness of foot, and unrivaled archery.  Despite this, however, he played only a minor role in [[The Lord of the Rings]], and the least is known about him, perhaps, than all other members of the company.


== History ==
==History==
Legolas was the son of King [[Thranduil]] of the [[Woodland Realm]] of Northern [[Mirkwood]], who appeared as the "Elvenking" in ''[[The Hobbit]]''; his father ruled over the [[Silvan Elves]] who dwelt there. Although he lived among them, was exposed to their culture, and inferred that he considered himself one of them, Legolas was strictly ''not'' one of the Silvan Elves ([[Wood-elves]]). His father Thranduil had originally come from [[Doriath]]; he and his son were actually [[Sindar]] (singular ''Sinda'' — "[[Sindarin]]" is their language). A small minority of Sindar ruled the predominantly Silvan Woodland Realm, a minority which Thranduil headed. The Sindarin minority in that realm, who should have been more noble and wise than the Silvan Elves, can be seen as having "gone native" at the end of the First Age: after [[Morgoth]] was defeated and all of the grand Elf-kingdoms of [[Beleriand]] were destroyed, they can be seen as going back to "a simpler time" in their culture. The realm of [[Lothlórien]] is similar to the Woodland Realm in that a community of Silvan Elves is ruled by non-Silvan ones, i.e. [[Galadriel]] and [[Celeborn]].


=== Before the War of the Ring ===
===Early History===
Though his father and his kingdom appeared in ''The Hobbit'', he did not appear himself. Of course, his character had not been created yet (though his name had; see below). However, some have theorized that he may well have fought in the [[Battle of Five Armies]]. The events in ''The Hobbit'' take place less than one hundred years before the Quest of Mount Doom. Unlike Men, the Eldar (which included the Sindar) reached adulthood on or before they reached a hundred years of age.
{{quote|Not until the fiftieth year did the Eldar attain the stature and shape in which their lives would afterwards endure, and for some a hundred years would pass before they were full-grown.|''[[Morgoth's Ring]]'', "[[Laws and Customs Among the Eldar]]"}}


Legolas is older than Aragorn and Gimli, who are, according to their birthdates in the [[Appendices]], 87 and 139 respectively at the time of the War of the Ring; he even calls them "children" (see Age discussion below). Thus, he must have been alive during the events of ''The Hobbit''. Logically, as a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Retcon retcon] he could quite conceivably have been present in his father's halls at the time, and may have even fought at the [[Battle of Five Armies]].
In [[The Fall of Gondolin]], there is found a mention to a [[Legolas of Gondolin|Legolas Greenleaf]], who guided the exiles forth from the destruction to safety. However, much doubt has been cast as to whether these two were one and the same (see [[Legolas Controversy]]).


=== The War of the Ring ===
Legolas was alive during the [[Battle of Five Armies]], and it is possible, even probable, that he took place in
[[Image:John Howe - Legolas.jpg|thumb|left|''Legolas'' by [[John Howe]]]]
He is introduced in ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'' at the [[Council of Elrond]] at [[Rivendell]], where he came as a messenger from his father to discuss the escape of [[Gollum]] from their guard. Tolkien describes him as "a strange Elf, clad in green and brown". Legolas volunteered or was chosen to become one of the members of the Fellowship that set out to destroy the [[One Ring]]. He accompanied the others in their travels from Rivendell to [[Amon Hen]].


When the Fellowship was snowed down while crossing [[Caradhras]], he scouted ahead to find the Sun, while [[Aragorn II|Aragorn]] and [[Boromir son of Denethor II|Boromir]] drove a path through the snow. Unlike them, he was little affected by the blowing winds and snow; he did not even wear boots, only light shoes, and his feet scarcely made imprints on the snow.
===Fellowship of the Ring===


After their attempt to cross Caradhras was foiled, their leader [[Gandalf]] took them on an underground journey through [[Moria]], an ancient Dwarf-kingdom, though some (including Legolas) did not wish to go there. Before they reached Moria, however, Legolas helped fend off an attack of Sauron's wolves in [[Hollin]]. Once in Moria, he helped fight off the Orcs whom they encounter there, and recognized [[Durin's Bane]] as a [[Balrogs|Balrog]] of [[Morgoth]].
His first real mention was at the [[Council of Elrond]], as a messenger from his father Thranduil. He was dressed in green and brown, and his eyes were keen.  His message was specifically to [[Gandalf]] – namely, that [[Gollum]] had escaped.  [[Aragorn II|Aragorn]] immediately wondered out loud how Thranduil’s people could permit this.  Legolas was quick to state that it was not through lack of watchfulness; if anything, from over-kindness, and related the details to the council. He spoke little for the rest of the council, if at all, but later volunteered (or was chosen by [[Elrond]]) to participate in the [[Quest of the Ring]] as the only elven member of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]].  His capabilities would be welcomed, and would be his primary claim to fame for the rest of his life.


After Gandalf was lost while facing the Balrog, Aragorn took charge of the Fellowship and led them to the Elven realm of [[Lothlórien]], the Golden Wood. Legolas served as the initial spokesperson for the company, speaking with the inhabitants, the [[Galadhrim]], whom he considered close kin.
For the early part of the quest they went in single file, with Legolas at the back.  Later, however, we appear to find him at the head of the company as they entered [[Hollin]], for The Lord of the Rings states “[[Gimli]]… had come up with Legolas, and was gazing out before him…”. Though all in the Company could feel the wholesomeness of the country, only Legolas could here the stones lament the lost presence of the Elves, and his words were poignant.


Within the Fellowship, there was friction between Legolas and the [[Dwarf]] [[Gimli]], because of the ancient quarrel between Elves and Dwarves after the destruction of [[Doriath]] in the [[First Age]], and also because his father, Thranduil, once threw Gimli's father, [[Glóin son of Gróin|Glóin]], in prison (as described in ''[[The Hobbit]]''). Legolas and Gimli became friends, however, when Gimli greeted the [[Galadriel|Lady of the Golden Wood]] with gentle words.
As they ascended [[Caradhras]], Legolas could walk on top of the snow, whereas the others were forced to trudge.  He also attempted (unsuccessfully) to light a fire.  The storm troubled him least of all the company, and it is written “he alone of the Company remained still light of heart”.  After they were determined to retreat, [[Boromir (son of Denethor II)|Boromir]] and Aragorn tried to push a path through the snow to get out, while Legolas danced lightly on top, passing them easily.  He soon spotted the way out for the rest of the company, and a bit of sarcasm edged his speech at Boromir’s words that they (the “strongest”) must seek a way out, when he said “There is the greatest wind-drift of all just beyond the turn, and there our Strong Men were almost buried”.  The paragraphs in this section suggest the attributes of youth and unquenchable gaiety.


They then took leave of Lothlórien, but not before receiving several [[Gifts of Galadriel|gifts]]. There, he received a new [[Bows|longbow]] from the [[Galadhrim]], along with the other gifts that [[Galadriel]] and [[Celeborn, Lord of Lórien|Celeborn]] gave him and the rest of the Fellowship, such as special cloaks and ''[[lembas]]''. While the Fellowship was travelling over the [[Anduin|Anduin River]], he shot down a nearby [[Fell beasts|Fell beast]] with a single arrow.
Perhaps a bit grumpy with the irrepressibility of the elf, Boromir during the vote as to whether or not they should pass through [[Moria]], asked “What do Legolas and the little folk say?”  Legolas voted against the passage with Boromir, but was overruled, especially when [[Warg]] voices were heard.  During their defense against these beasts, Legolas did more than perhaps all the rest of the company except Gandalf, shooting numerous wargs. Legolas collected his arrows unharmed (except for one) after the fight.


After Boromir was killed and [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] and [[Pippin]] were captured by Orcs in ''The Two Towers'', he, Aragorn and Gimli set forth in pursuit of the two ([[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] the [[Ring-bearer]] and [[Samwise Gamgee|Sam]] had gone ahead on the road to Mordor). They met the revived Gandalf and the [[Rohirrim]], fought in the [[Battle of the Hornburg]], and witnessed [[Saruman]]'s (partial) downfall at [[Isengard]], where they were reunited with the two abducted hobbits. In the Battle of the Hornburg, he and Gimli engaged in an [[Orc]]-slaying contest (Gimli won by a single Orc, killing 42 to Legolas's 41, but the real result was stronger mutual respect).
Legolas plays only the minorest of parts in Moria.  Though it is said that he had eyes that could see well in the dark, strangely, he seems not to possess this quality in the caves.  For it is written that [[Frodo]] (due to his [[Morgul-knife]] wound) could see better than any of the company in the dark, except perhaps Gandalf.  Legolas had to drag Gimli from the [[Chamber of Mazarbul]] when the [[dwarf]] almost refused to go.  Legolas is the first of the Company to recognize [[Durin's Bane]] as a [[balrog]], or at least the first to express his dismay at the fact.


In ''The Return of the King'', he and Gimli accompanied Aragorn on the [[Paths of the Dead]], along with the [[Grey Company]]. After Aragorn summoned the [[Dead Men]] of [[Dunharrow]] to fight for him, he watched them scare away the [[Corsairs of Umbar]] from their ships at [[Pelargir]]He fought in the [[Battle of the Pelennor]] and the [[Morannon]], and watched as [[Sauron]] was defeated and [[Barad-dûr]] collapsed.
Legolas was most enthusiastic about coming to [[Lothlórien]], describing it to the rest of the Company, and mourning the fact that it was winter and they could not witness it in the pinnacle of its glory. As they rested by the [[Nimrodel (river)|Nimrodel]], Legolas told them tales of Lothlórien, and sang the [[Song of Nimrodel]] to them.  Upon hearing the other Elves of Lórien, Legolas listened and responded in their own tongueWhen Samwise queried as to what they were saying, Legolas slyly responded that they said he breathed so loud they could shoot him in the dark, horrifying Samwise until Legolas added that they need not fear them.


=== After the War of the Ring ===
Legolas was called up to meet with the [[Galadhrim]], with Frodo only (Sam following, as always).  The Galadhrim had heard him singing and knew he came from Mirkwood.  They would readily accept all of the fellowship, save Gimli, because of his race and the grievances between his and theirs. Legolas was forced to answer for the company, with the reminder to keep an eye on "that dwarf". Legolas was forced by the others to go blindfolded into Lórien, especially at the urging of Gimli, who hated the thought of going such.  Indeed, he declared he would submit himself to this restraint only if "Legolas here shares my blindness".  In the end, Legolas had no choice but to submit.
After the destruction of the [[One Ring]], he lingered in [[Minas Tirith]] for some time, as Aragorn was crowned King of the [[Reunited Kingdom]] as King [[Elessar]] and married his love Arwen. Later, Legolas and Gimli went off travelling together through [[Fangorn Forest]]. Eventually, Legolas came to [[Ithilien]] with some of his people, with his father's leave, to live out his remaining time in [[Middle-earth]] helping to restore the devastated forests of that war-ravaged land.  


It is told in the Red Book (first written by [[Bilbo Baggins]], continued by [[Frodo Baggins]] and supposedly finished by [[Samwise Gamgee]]) that after the death of King [[Aragorn Elessar]], Legolas built a grey ship in [[Ithilien]], and left Middle-earth to go over the Sea to [[Valinor]], the Blessed Realm, and Gimli the Dwarf went with him.
Legolas would not translate the Elven lamentations for Gandalf, saying that he had neither the skill nor the heart.  During their time in Lórien, however (with the influence of the Lady [[Galadriel]] working its magic on the dwarf), he became fast friends with Gimli, a friendship never broken.  He was one of those of the Company that could handle boats, and so was assigned to one with the dwarf.  He received a bow and quiver such as the Galadhrim used.
 
After ambushed by orc-archers on the [[Anduin]], quickly leaped out onto dry ground and searched for a mark to shoot at.  As a dread fell on the Company, Legolas invoked the name of [[Elbereth Gilthoniel]], and shot the descending [[Fell beast]] from the sky, a masterful shot in the dark.
 
===The Three Hunters===
 
When ambushed on [[Amon Hen]], Legolas shot many orcs until his arrows ran out, then using his knife.  Upon the [[breaking of the Fellowship]], he sang a lament for Boromir, who had fallen, with Aragorn, taking the part of the South Wind which came from the Sea.  Legolas was of great aid to Aragorn in the days following, as he helped to track the [[Uruk-hai]] across [[Rohan]].  His eyes could see many leagues, and for a while he could see their quarry far ahead of them.
 
Legolas stood by his friend Gimli when confronted by the haughty [[Éomer]], threatening him with death if he attempted to harm the dwarf.  He let Gimli ride behind him on the way to [[Fangorn]].  Under its eaves, Legolas noticed how the tree beneath which they sat seemed glad of the fire.  He was reluctant to enter Fangorn, having no knowledge about it save for the stories of the [[Onodrim]], and that it was very old.  Though the night was very dark, he was also the first to notice the absence of the horses.  Later he asserted to Aragorn that the beasts sounded joyful, confirming Aragorn’s own opinion.
 
Upon entering Fangorn itself, Legolas declared that he almost felt young again beside those trees.  He commented that in earlier days he could have been happy there.  Gimli snorted, saying “''I dare say you could.  You are a Wood-elf, anyway, though Elves of any kind are strange folk.''”  Legolas would later reverse this declaration at the [[Hornburg]].  When the Three Hunters met with the apparition of an old man, whom they believed to be [[Saruman]], despite Gimli’s round encouragement Legolas did not shoot him, feeling moral objections to this.  The old man declared “''Put away that bow, Master Elf.''”  Legolas dropped his bow, but later picked it up again, and was about to shoot when it was seen that beneath the old man’s robes there was white.  Yet he recognized that it was [[Gandalf]] just in time, and shot his arrow high in the air to be consumed by fire.  Gandalf coolly adds “''Well met, I say to you again, Legolas!''”
 
===With the Rohirrim===
 
Legolas was a leader in the conversation with Gandalf, being the first to ask about Merry & Pippin, and Gandalf’s apparently miraculous escape.  After the story, Gandalf delivered Galadriel’s messages to each of them, Legolas’s being:
 
<poem>
''Legolas Greenleaf long under tree
''In joy thou hast lived.  Beware of the Sea!
''If thou hearest the cry of the gull on the shore,
''Thy heart shall then rest in the forest no more.
</poem>
 
Legolas again used his eyes for the help of the company, as he spied both the smoke of Isengard and [[Edoras]] from afar.  At the gates of [[Meduseld]], Legolas was the only one to lay down his weapons without hesitation.  He played only a passive role in the healing of [[Théoden]] King, and later was arrayed in shining mail beside Aragorn.  Gimli would not ride on Éomer’s horse unless Legolas rode beside them, which he did gladly.  Éomer declared “''Legolas upon my left, and Aragorn upon my right, and none will dare to stand before us!''”
 
As Legolas stood at the [[Hornburg]] at the eve of battle, he said that though he did not like the place, Gimli comforted him, and he was glad that the dwarf stood by his side.  He also wished that a hundred archers of [[Mirkwood]] were there, noting the small number of bowmen among the Rohirrim.  At the opening of the battle Legolas shot twenty at least, this figure being taken as precise by Gimli.  When Gimli returned to the elf for the second time to declare that he slew twenty-one, Legolas counted his kills as twenty-four.  By the time the [[Fire of Orthanc]] blew out a piece of the wall, his quiver was nearly empty.  With the last arrow the elf saved Aragorn’s life when he stumbled while pursued.  At the end of the battle, Legolas had shot a total of forty-one, though Gimli surpassed his count by one.
 
Legolas showed great interest in the [[Huorns]] on the way to [[Isengard]], discussing them with Gandalf and a less willing Gimli.  Legolas promised Gimli that he would go to [[Aglarond]] after the war upon hearing the dwarf’s eloquence, if only Gimli would accompany him on a visit to Fangorn.  At Isengard he enjoyed a meal in the company of the Gimli, Aragorn, and the Hobbits.
 
===The Return of the King===
 
When Aragorn made clear his purpose as to the taking of the [[Paths of the Dead]], Legolas and Gimli willingly volunteered to go with him.  Legolas predicted, when Gimli suggested that Galadriel might have sent them soldiers from their own lands, that they need not ride away to find war.
 
Amidst the paths of the dead, riding with the [[Grey Company]], Legolas alone (save for [[Elladan]] and [[Elrohir]], [[Elrond]]’s sons) felt no fear of the [[Dead Men]], and it may be remembered that the High Elves had power both in the worlds of the seen and unseen.  Yet his turn came to be struck to the heart in the opposite sense – when he heard the gulls at [[Pelargir]], fulfilling Galadriel’s prediction and warning.  While telling this story later, he dropped off there, while Gimli promptly said “''For my part I heeded them not''”.  Legolas saw as Aragorn led the Dead Men what a mighty lord he might have been if he had taken the [[One Ring]].
 
Legolas came with Aragorn from the ships during the [[Battle of Pelennor Fields]], and fought there beside his comrades.  He survived the battle, and several times that day afterward commented on the longevity and eventual domination of Men to the dubious Gimli.
 
===Battle of the Morannon and Aftermath===
 
Legolas rode for the last time into battle beside his friends to the [[Battle of the Morannon]].  He witnessed the Fall of the Dark Tower, and after the battle attended the ceremonies of the [[Field of Cormallen]] in the honor of Frodo and Samwise and their victory.  That night Legolas would not go to bed, but instead went away to walk in the woods, singing of the Sea.
 
After attending the [[Coronation of Elessar]], Legolas remained (at the urging of Aragorn) in [[Minas Tirith]] for a time.  During the parting of the Fellowship, Legolas went with Gimli to Aglarond.  The last sight of Legolas in ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' is as he rode off with Gimli to visit [[Fangorn Forest]].
 
===After the War of the Ring===
 
As noted in [[Appendix A]]: ''Of Durin's Folk'', Legolas returned to Minas Tirith with a company of Wood-elves, and they made [[Ithilien]] a green and fair land once more.  After King Aragorn died, Legolas sailed West.  Traditionally, he took Gimli with him.
 
==Character==
 
Legolas showed almost irrepressible cheerfulness throughout the journey, passing through [[Caradhras]] and even the [[Paths of the Dead]] without hesitation or complaint.  His youthful nature can be seen from the mocking way he treated the "strong men" on Caradhras, whom Boromir (excluding Legolas) had said could forge a way out through the snow.  He is perhaps most remembered for his friendship with Gimli the Dwarf, and it was during this friendship that we see his faithfulness, and also his love of beauty.  Gimli’s words moved him when the dwarf spoke of the [[Glittering Caverns]].  It can be assumed despite his suggested age of 500-700 that he had never before come near to the Sea, for his heart became suddenly torn when he heard the Gulls at [[Pelargir]], and could never remove their mewing from his mind.  His naivete is demonstrated again when Legolas comments that Aragorn has journeyed further than he has.


== Portrayal in Adaptations ==
== Portrayal in Adaptations ==
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== Disputed Issues ==
== Disputed Issues ==
===Age===
See [[Legolas disputes]]
While Legolas' age is never given in Tolkien's writings, some [[Tolkienist|Tolkien scholars]] have estimated he is at the most 800 – 900 years old by the time of the War of the Ring, and at least 500, though probably more; however, many others disagree on the maximum figure. Without any direct mention to the contrary, he could also have been born as early as the First Age. At the very least, we know he is over 139 years old, because he is older than Gimli (see below).
 
The figure of 500 years minimum was derived from the following — at one point in ''The Two Towers'', he says that the leaves have fallen in Mirkwood 500 times since [[Meduseld]] was built, and he appears to be describing it as if he actually experienced this:
{{quote|Seven mounds upon the left, and nine upon the right," said Aragorn. "Many long lives of men it is since the [[Meduseld|golden hall]] was built."<p>"Five hundred times have the red leaves fallen in Mirkwood in my home since then," said Legolas, "and but a little while does that seem to us."</p>"But to the Riders of the Mark it seems so long ago," said Aragorn, "that the raising of this house is but a memory of song, and the years before are lost in the mist of time.|''[[The Two Towers]]'', "[[The White Rider]]"}}
 
To see their reasoning for an age of 800 – 900 years, see the articles referred to [[#external links|below]].
 
In ''Laws and Customs Among the Eldar'', Tolkien states that the mental development of Elf-children is much quicker than those of human children. By their first year, Elf-children can already walk, speak, and even dance.
{{quote|The Eldar grew in bodily form slower than Men, but in mind more swiftly. They learned to speak before they were one year old; and in the same time they learned to walk and to dance, for their wills came soon to the mastery of their bodies. Nonetheless there was less difference between the two Kindreds, Elves and Men, in early youth; and a man who watched elf-children at play might well have believed that they were the children of Men, of some fair and happy people.|''[[Morgoth's Ring]]'', "[[Laws and Customs Among the Eldar]]"}}
 
If we are to infer that Elves can have concrete memories at a younger age than humans do, Legolas could conceivably have remembered the last 500 autumns that have passed, starting when he was very young.
 
However, he could be merely commenting on the contrasting viewpoints of Men and Elves on time ("and but a little while does that seem to us"); more importantly, 500 years is here clearly "the time elapsed since Meduseld was built". At face value, his statement says ''nothing'' about his age — to go further would only be speculation.
 
It is certainly possible that he was older than what many fans imagine him to be, at least (probably due to the influence of Bloom and his portrayal). In ''The Two Towers'', he calls Aragorn (born Third Age 2931, 87 years old in 3018, 88 at the end of the War some months later) and Gimli (born 2879, 139 years old in 3018) "children" while in [[Fangorn Forest]], and says that he does not ''feel'' young:
{{quote|It [the forest] is old, very old," said the Elf. "So old that almost I feel young '''again''', as I have not felt since I journeyed with you children. It is old and full of memory. I could have been happy here, if I had come in days of peace.|''[[The Two Towers]]'', "[[The White Rider]]"}}
 
Also, he speaks of watching oaks grow from acorns to "ruinous age", suggesting that he is in fact old, though possibly young for Elves (some kinds of oak can live for a very long time):
{{quote|These are the strangest trees that I ever saw," [Legolas] said; "and I have seen many an oak grow from acorn to ruinous age. I wish that there were leisure now to walk among them: they have voices, and in time I might come to understand their thought.|ibid}}
 
However, even the minimum figure of 500 can still apply here, since Tolkien could have had the English oak in mind, and it can live up to about 500 years.
 
Also, some readers point out that his birthdate is not recorded in the Appendices. For them, this might be a sign that he was born in the [[First Age]], since the Appendices only record dates from the [[Second Age]] onwards.
 
=== Hair color ===
[[Image:Jenny Dolfen - Legolas.jpg|thumb|200px|An earlier ''Legolas'' by [[Jenny Dolfen]], modelled after [[Orlando Bloom]].]]
His father Thranduil was blond, so many assume that Legolas must have been blond also (Indeed, both [[Ralph Bakshi]] and [[Peter Jackson]] make him blond). However, Tolkien describes his head as "dark" when he shoots down a [[Ringwraiths|Ringwraith]]'s [[Fell beasts|Fell beast]] in ''The Fellowship of the Ring'' in the following quote, suggesting the contrary to some:
{{quote|Frodo looked up at the Elf standing tall above him, as he gazed into the night, seeking a mark to shoot at. His head was dark, crowned with sharp white stars that glittered in the black pools of the sky behind.|''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', "[[The Great River]]"}}
 
According to this camp, his hair must be either dark brown or black, as was the norm for the Sindar. (Blond hair was mostly exclusive to the [[Vanyar]].) However, the "blond" camp points out that the above quote takes place ''at night'', and opines that his head may have appeared "dark" due to shadows, rather than his actual hair color.
 
=== Birth order ===
Some assume that he is an only child; however, he could be only one of Thranduil's children. Thranduil did let him leave Mirkwood to find a new elf-community in Ithilien, suggesting to some that he was not his heir; but then others opine that given the longevity of Elves and the relative safety of Middle-earth after Sauron's downfall, Thranduil could go on ruling the Woodland Realm as long as he liked or until he felt the sea-longing. No definitive evidence is given, either way.


== Name ==
== Name ==
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Apparently, only Hobbits (and the Men of Bree) used surnames (like [[Baggins]] or [[Gamgee]]), as recorded in the Red Book. Men and Elves alike used the patronymic (''son of'') formula. In English, therefore, a fuller name would be "Legolas son of Thranduil" or "Legolas Thranduil's son". In Sindarin, that would be ''Legolas Thranduilion'', -''ion'' meaning "scion of".
Apparently, only Hobbits (and the Men of Bree) used surnames (like [[Baggins]] or [[Gamgee]]), as recorded in the Red Book. Men and Elves alike used the patronymic (''son of'') formula. In English, therefore, a fuller name would be "Legolas son of Thranduil" or "Legolas Thranduil's son". In Sindarin, that would be ''Legolas Thranduilion'', -''ion'' meaning "scion of".
===Legolas of Gondolin===
The name ''Legolas Greenleaf'' first appeared in ''[[The Fall of Gondolin]]'', one of the ''[[The Book of Lost Tales|Lost Tales]]'', circa 1917. The character is mentioned only once and is unrelated to the character discussed above. As the Lost Tales were the first embodiment of Tolkien's mythology, and by the time ''The Lord of the Rings'' was written much had changed, this in all likelihood is not the same Elf, and he was not included in the published ''[[Silmarillion]]''.
{{quote|But the others, led by one '''Legolas Greenleaf''' of the [[House of the Tree|house of the Tree]], who knew all that plain by day or by dark, and was night-sighted, made much speed over the vale for all their weariness, and halted only after a great march.|''[[The Book of Lost Tales Part 2]]'', "[[The Fall of Gondolin]]"}}
The [[Legolas of Gondolin]], who Tolkien would likely have renamed, has a different etymology. His name (''Laiqalassë'' in its pure form) comes from the primitive [[Quenya]] (''Qenya'') words ''laica'' ("green") and ''lassë'' ("leaf"). The names are very similar, but the characters were different: Legolas of Gondolin was possibly a [[Noldor]] in exile, of the House (kindred) of the Tree. However, the published ''Silmarillion'', in describing [[Turgon of Gondolin|Turgon]]'s founding of Gondolin, states that Turgon took with him up to a third of the people under [[Fingolfin]], but an even larger number of the Sindar. Thus, whether Legolas of Gondolin was of Noldorin or Sindarin descent is debatable.


== See Also ==
== See Also ==

Revision as of 19:39, 17 June 2007

Legolas
Sinda
File:Jenny Dolfen - Legolas2.jpg
Biographical Information
Other namesGreenleaf (translation of his name)
TitlesPrince of Mirkwood, member of the Fellowship of the Ring
BirthUnknown; c. Third Age 2400*
DeathWent west Fourth Age 120 (aged 600-800?*)
Family
ParentageThranduil + ?
SpouseNone
Physical Description
GenderMale
Hair colorPresumably dark; traditionally/possibly blond*

Legolas (S. for Greenleaf) was a Sindarin prince of the Silvan realm of Mirkwood, the only recorded son of King Thranduil. He became famous because of his membership in the Fellowship of the Ring, in which he served as one of their most valuable assets because of his superior sight, hearing, lightness of foot, and unrivaled archery. Despite this, however, he played only a minor role in The Lord of the Rings, and the least is known about him, perhaps, than all other members of the company.

History

Early History

In The Fall of Gondolin, there is found a mention to a Legolas Greenleaf, who guided the exiles forth from the destruction to safety. However, much doubt has been cast as to whether these two were one and the same (see Legolas Controversy).

Legolas was alive during the Battle of Five Armies, and it is possible, even probable, that he took place in

Fellowship of the Ring

His first real mention was at the Council of Elrond, as a messenger from his father Thranduil. He was dressed in green and brown, and his eyes were keen. His message was specifically to Gandalf – namely, that Gollum had escaped. Aragorn immediately wondered out loud how Thranduil’s people could permit this. Legolas was quick to state that it was not through lack of watchfulness; if anything, from over-kindness, and related the details to the council. He spoke little for the rest of the council, if at all, but later volunteered (or was chosen by Elrond) to participate in the Quest of the Ring as the only elven member of the Fellowship of the Ring. His capabilities would be welcomed, and would be his primary claim to fame for the rest of his life.

For the early part of the quest they went in single file, with Legolas at the back. Later, however, we appear to find him at the head of the company as they entered Hollin, for The Lord of the Rings states “Gimli… had come up with Legolas, and was gazing out before him…”. Though all in the Company could feel the wholesomeness of the country, only Legolas could here the stones lament the lost presence of the Elves, and his words were poignant.

As they ascended Caradhras, Legolas could walk on top of the snow, whereas the others were forced to trudge. He also attempted (unsuccessfully) to light a fire. The storm troubled him least of all the company, and it is written “he alone of the Company remained still light of heart”. After they were determined to retreat, Boromir and Aragorn tried to push a path through the snow to get out, while Legolas danced lightly on top, passing them easily. He soon spotted the way out for the rest of the company, and a bit of sarcasm edged his speech at Boromir’s words that they (the “strongest”) must seek a way out, when he said “There is the greatest wind-drift of all just beyond the turn, and there our Strong Men were almost buried”. The paragraphs in this section suggest the attributes of youth and unquenchable gaiety.

Perhaps a bit grumpy with the irrepressibility of the elf, Boromir during the vote as to whether or not they should pass through Moria, asked “What do Legolas and the little folk say?” Legolas voted against the passage with Boromir, but was overruled, especially when Warg voices were heard. During their defense against these beasts, Legolas did more than perhaps all the rest of the company except Gandalf, shooting numerous wargs. Legolas collected his arrows unharmed (except for one) after the fight.

Legolas plays only the minorest of parts in Moria. Though it is said that he had eyes that could see well in the dark, strangely, he seems not to possess this quality in the caves. For it is written that Frodo (due to his Morgul-knife wound) could see better than any of the company in the dark, except perhaps Gandalf. Legolas had to drag Gimli from the Chamber of Mazarbul when the dwarf almost refused to go. Legolas is the first of the Company to recognize Durin's Bane as a balrog, or at least the first to express his dismay at the fact.

Legolas was most enthusiastic about coming to Lothlórien, describing it to the rest of the Company, and mourning the fact that it was winter and they could not witness it in the pinnacle of its glory. As they rested by the Nimrodel, Legolas told them tales of Lothlórien, and sang the Song of Nimrodel to them. Upon hearing the other Elves of Lórien, Legolas listened and responded in their own tongue. When Samwise queried as to what they were saying, Legolas slyly responded that they said he breathed so loud they could shoot him in the dark, horrifying Samwise until Legolas added that they need not fear them.

Legolas was called up to meet with the Galadhrim, with Frodo only (Sam following, as always). The Galadhrim had heard him singing and knew he came from Mirkwood. They would readily accept all of the fellowship, save Gimli, because of his race and the grievances between his and theirs. Legolas was forced to answer for the company, with the reminder to keep an eye on "that dwarf". Legolas was forced by the others to go blindfolded into Lórien, especially at the urging of Gimli, who hated the thought of going such. Indeed, he declared he would submit himself to this restraint only if "Legolas here shares my blindness". In the end, Legolas had no choice but to submit.

Legolas would not translate the Elven lamentations for Gandalf, saying that he had neither the skill nor the heart. During their time in Lórien, however (with the influence of the Lady Galadriel working its magic on the dwarf), he became fast friends with Gimli, a friendship never broken. He was one of those of the Company that could handle boats, and so was assigned to one with the dwarf. He received a bow and quiver such as the Galadhrim used.

After ambushed by orc-archers on the Anduin, quickly leaped out onto dry ground and searched for a mark to shoot at. As a dread fell on the Company, Legolas invoked the name of Elbereth Gilthoniel, and shot the descending Fell beast from the sky, a masterful shot in the dark.

The Three Hunters

When ambushed on Amon Hen, Legolas shot many orcs until his arrows ran out, then using his knife. Upon the breaking of the Fellowship, he sang a lament for Boromir, who had fallen, with Aragorn, taking the part of the South Wind which came from the Sea. Legolas was of great aid to Aragorn in the days following, as he helped to track the Uruk-hai across Rohan. His eyes could see many leagues, and for a while he could see their quarry far ahead of them.

Legolas stood by his friend Gimli when confronted by the haughty Éomer, threatening him with death if he attempted to harm the dwarf. He let Gimli ride behind him on the way to Fangorn. Under its eaves, Legolas noticed how the tree beneath which they sat seemed glad of the fire. He was reluctant to enter Fangorn, having no knowledge about it save for the stories of the Onodrim, and that it was very old. Though the night was very dark, he was also the first to notice the absence of the horses. Later he asserted to Aragorn that the beasts sounded joyful, confirming Aragorn’s own opinion.

Upon entering Fangorn itself, Legolas declared that he almost felt young again beside those trees. He commented that in earlier days he could have been happy there. Gimli snorted, saying “I dare say you could. You are a Wood-elf, anyway, though Elves of any kind are strange folk.” Legolas would later reverse this declaration at the Hornburg. When the Three Hunters met with the apparition of an old man, whom they believed to be Saruman, despite Gimli’s round encouragement Legolas did not shoot him, feeling moral objections to this. The old man declared “Put away that bow, Master Elf.” Legolas dropped his bow, but later picked it up again, and was about to shoot when it was seen that beneath the old man’s robes there was white. Yet he recognized that it was Gandalf just in time, and shot his arrow high in the air to be consumed by fire. Gandalf coolly adds “Well met, I say to you again, Legolas!

With the Rohirrim

Legolas was a leader in the conversation with Gandalf, being the first to ask about Merry & Pippin, and Gandalf’s apparently miraculous escape. After the story, Gandalf delivered Galadriel’s messages to each of them, Legolas’s being:

Legolas Greenleaf long under tree
In joy thou hast lived. Beware of the Sea!
If thou hearest the cry of the gull on the shore,
Thy heart shall then rest in the forest no more.

Legolas again used his eyes for the help of the company, as he spied both the smoke of Isengard and Edoras from afar. At the gates of Meduseld, Legolas was the only one to lay down his weapons without hesitation. He played only a passive role in the healing of Théoden King, and later was arrayed in shining mail beside Aragorn. Gimli would not ride on Éomer’s horse unless Legolas rode beside them, which he did gladly. Éomer declared “Legolas upon my left, and Aragorn upon my right, and none will dare to stand before us!

As Legolas stood at the Hornburg at the eve of battle, he said that though he did not like the place, Gimli comforted him, and he was glad that the dwarf stood by his side. He also wished that a hundred archers of Mirkwood were there, noting the small number of bowmen among the Rohirrim. At the opening of the battle Legolas shot twenty at least, this figure being taken as precise by Gimli. When Gimli returned to the elf for the second time to declare that he slew twenty-one, Legolas counted his kills as twenty-four. By the time the Fire of Orthanc blew out a piece of the wall, his quiver was nearly empty. With the last arrow the elf saved Aragorn’s life when he stumbled while pursued. At the end of the battle, Legolas had shot a total of forty-one, though Gimli surpassed his count by one.

Legolas showed great interest in the Huorns on the way to Isengard, discussing them with Gandalf and a less willing Gimli. Legolas promised Gimli that he would go to Aglarond after the war upon hearing the dwarf’s eloquence, if only Gimli would accompany him on a visit to Fangorn. At Isengard he enjoyed a meal in the company of the Gimli, Aragorn, and the Hobbits.

The Return of the King

When Aragorn made clear his purpose as to the taking of the Paths of the Dead, Legolas and Gimli willingly volunteered to go with him. Legolas predicted, when Gimli suggested that Galadriel might have sent them soldiers from their own lands, that they need not ride away to find war.

Amidst the paths of the dead, riding with the Grey Company, Legolas alone (save for Elladan and Elrohir, Elrond’s sons) felt no fear of the Dead Men, and it may be remembered that the High Elves had power both in the worlds of the seen and unseen. Yet his turn came to be struck to the heart in the opposite sense – when he heard the gulls at Pelargir, fulfilling Galadriel’s prediction and warning. While telling this story later, he dropped off there, while Gimli promptly said “For my part I heeded them not”. Legolas saw as Aragorn led the Dead Men what a mighty lord he might have been if he had taken the One Ring.

Legolas came with Aragorn from the ships during the Battle of Pelennor Fields, and fought there beside his comrades. He survived the battle, and several times that day afterward commented on the longevity and eventual domination of Men to the dubious Gimli.

Battle of the Morannon and Aftermath

Legolas rode for the last time into battle beside his friends to the Battle of the Morannon. He witnessed the Fall of the Dark Tower, and after the battle attended the ceremonies of the Field of Cormallen in the honor of Frodo and Samwise and their victory. That night Legolas would not go to bed, but instead went away to walk in the woods, singing of the Sea.

After attending the Coronation of Elessar, Legolas remained (at the urging of Aragorn) in Minas Tirith for a time. During the parting of the Fellowship, Legolas went with Gimli to Aglarond. The last sight of Legolas in The Lord of the Rings is as he rode off with Gimli to visit Fangorn Forest.

After the War of the Ring

As noted in Appendix A: Of Durin's Folk, Legolas returned to Minas Tirith with a company of Wood-elves, and they made Ithilien a green and fair land once more. After King Aragorn died, Legolas sailed West. Traditionally, he took Gimli with him.

Character

Legolas showed almost irrepressible cheerfulness throughout the journey, passing through Caradhras and even the Paths of the Dead without hesitation or complaint. His youthful nature can be seen from the mocking way he treated the "strong men" on Caradhras, whom Boromir (excluding Legolas) had said could forge a way out through the snow. He is perhaps most remembered for his friendship with Gimli the Dwarf, and it was during this friendship that we see his faithfulness, and also his love of beauty. Gimli’s words moved him when the dwarf spoke of the Glittering Caverns. It can be assumed despite his suggested age of 500-700 that he had never before come near to the Sea, for his heart became suddenly torn when he heard the Gulls at Pelargir, and could never remove their mewing from his mind. His naivete is demonstrated again when Legolas comments that Aragorn has journeyed further than he has.

Portrayal in Adaptations

Legolas was voiced by Anthony Daniels (who had played the droid C-3PO of Star Wars fame) in Ralph Bakshi's 1978 animated version of The Lord of the Rings. In the film, he takes Glorfindel's place in the Flight to the Ford sequence; he meets Strider and the hobbits on their way to Rivendell, and sets Frodo on his horse before he is chased by the Nazgûl to the ford of Bruinen (In Peter Jackson's version, Arwen takes Glorfindel's place and rides to the Ford herself with Frodo). Here, he is apparently from Rivendell, because he answers to Elrond; he is not identified as a Wood-elf.

Legolas was voiced by David Collings in the 1981 BBC Radio 4 adaptation.

In Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings movie trilogym Legolas was portrayed by Orlando Bloom.

In the "official movie guide" for The Lord of the Rings, a birthdate for Legolas is set to 87 of the Third Age. This would make him 2931 years old at the time of the War of the Ring. This date for Legolas' birth was made up by the movie writers, as in the books there are no known dates concerning Legolas before Third Age 3018. Curiously, the year 2931 was the year Aragorn was born; the writers may have picked the number at random from the Tale of Years in the Appendices.

He is presented as an unstoppable fighter, arguably to the point of stealing the show; he performs show-stopping yet implausible stunts in battle scenes. For example, in the Battle of the Hornburg, he slides down a staircase using a shield, shooting arrows all the while, and in the Battle of the Pelennor Fields, he takes down an Oliphaunt all by himself. However, in the books Legolas's exploits in battle are not presented in great detail. Aside from shooting the fell beast, he undertakes no major actions other than to make peace with Gimli, overcoming their longstanding mutual racial animosity — he and Gimli are followers, rather than leaders. The film-makers later stated that the entire scene of Legolas killing the Oliphaunt and its entire crew was filmed during pick-ups (months after original filming) to insert a major action scene showcasing him, because at that point they realized that he simply doesn't get to do much in the third part of the trilogy.

He wears green and grey clothes and uses boots, in contrast to Tolkien's green and "brown" clothes and "light shoes". It is notable that in the extended DVD edition of The Fellowship of the Ring, a scene in Lothlorien is included in which Legolas is wearing a different costume than his normal. This was in fact his original costume, which was later changed due to the filmmaker's dissatisfaction with it. Fans have come up with several explanations for this seeming inconsistency. Two possibilities stand above the rest as the most likely: (1) Legolas brought an extra tunic and jerkin from Mirkwood and decided to wear it at this moment, (2) The Elves of Lothlorien, under the leadership of Haldir, gave Legolas a new tunic of their own make (or one they had traded with other Elves) for him to wear. The most common explanation for why he would change his tunic is that his other one was dirty from the long trek up to that point and he wanted to have it washed in the clean waters of the Nimrodel.

Legolas bears two long knives, while in the book he bears only one. Another, more trivial change, was the number of Orcs he and Gimli kill at Helm's Deep: 42 and 43, respectively. This brings up an interesting possibility that could further illuminate the playful antagonism between the two characters. Legolas might give his count as "42" but secretly tells an untruth and really has only killed 41 Uruk-hai, but wants to make sure he has more than Gimli. Gimli, who has only killed 42 gives his answer as "43", to make sure he bests the Elf. It is not clear, however, whether this was an intentional change on the part of the filmmakers, though it seems likely that it was, since the original numbers were so clear in Tolkien's own text.

Due to technical mishaps involving Orlando Bloom's contact lenses, in the films Legolas' eye colour sometimes changes between brown, purple, and blue. This was justified by the notion that Elves' eyes change colour with their mood. This idea subsequently spread to fanfiction; however, it is pure fanon, and is nowhere to be found in Tolkien's writings, and is often simply meant as a joke; in any case, his eye color was probably grey; see here for more details. Another common explanation for Legolas' changing eye color is the obvious fact that light reflects off objects differently in different conditions and that, therefore, the Elf's eyes "seem" to change color in different lighting environments.

Playing Legolas in the trilogy was Orlando Bloom's breakout route to superstardom. His handsome features and Legolas' "coolness", so to speak, as depicted in the film, have led to the character becoming a unprecedented fan favorite with both fangirls and fanboys, not to mention other Tolkien fans. Although the disproportionate popular reaction to Legolas met with mixed reactions from fans, many debaters on the Internet during earlier stages of production were worried, that a film portrayal of Legolas might render him as far too effeminate for popular consumption, but later many felt that Bloom was able to avoid this entirely. Christopher Tolkien recounts that his father wrote the following "wrathful" comment protesting against a "pretty" or "ladylike" depiction of Legolas:

"He was tall as a young tree, lithe, immensely strong, able swiftly to draw a great war-bow and shoot down a Nazgûl, endowed with the tremendous vitality of Elvish bodies, so hard and resistant to hurt that he went only in light shoes over rock or through snow, the most tireless of all the Fellowship."
The Book of Lost Tales Part 2

Despite Bloom's popularity, many viewers have found his performance wooden, in agreement with his status as a "Wood"-elf.

Legolas is absent from the 1980 animated version of The Return of the King.

Disputed Issues

See Legolas disputes

Name

The name Legolas is a Silvan dialect form of pure Sindarin Laegolas, which means Greenleaf. This shows that Greenleaf is not his surname, as is sometimes erroneously believed; nor is it an epithet (like Oakenshield), but a translation of his name. It consists of the Sindarin words laeg, green; and golas, a collection of leaves, foliage (being a prefixed collective form of las(s), "leaf"). The Quenya form (mentioned in the Book of Lost Tales in the context of another character of that name) is Laiqualassë.

There might, however, be a certain meaning to his name: laeg is a very rare, archaic word for green, which is normally replaced by calen (cf. Calenhad, mutated Parth Galen and plural Pinnath Gelin) and is otherwise almost only preserved in Laegrim, Laegel(d)rim (Sindarin form of Quenya Laiquendi), the Green Elves of the First Age. It may be that Thranduil named his son Legolas to at least in part refer to this people, who were remote kin and ancestors of the later Silvan Elves, the people Thranduil ruled and to whom—very likely—Thranduil's wife belonged.

Apparently, only Hobbits (and the Men of Bree) used surnames (like Baggins or Gamgee), as recorded in the Red Book. Men and Elves alike used the patronymic (son of) formula. In English, therefore, a fuller name would be "Legolas son of Thranduil" or "Legolas Thranduil's son". In Sindarin, that would be Legolas Thranduilion, -ion meaning "scion of".

See Also

Sources

External Links

Members of the Fellowship of the Ring
Frodo · Sam · Merry · Pippin · Gandalf · Aragorn · Legolas · Gimli · Boromir