What happened to the elf Galadriel in The Lord of the Rings before the book and movie trilogy took place? Memorably portrayed by Cate Blanchett, Galadriel appears in The Fellowship of the Ring when the central cast arrive in her realm of Lothlórien. Although typically guarded and detached, as many elves tend to be, Galadriel aids the Fellowship on their quest. She passes a test of strength by refusing Frodo’s offer to keep the Ring in Lothlórien and then doles out treasured gifts. These items differ between Tolkien’s original books and the Jackson movies, but include the Light of Eärendil and a set of elvish cloaks. Despite aiding the quest to destroy the Ring, Galadriel and her people stay out of the fight directly and Blanchett’s character departs for her homeland at the end of the story.
Amazon are currently producing a Lord of the Rings TV series set in the age prior to The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, and have also promised that the production will feature familiar characters. Thus far, the only confirmed figure from the main story is Galadriel, who will be played by Morfydd Clark. With Amazon’s series reportedly set in Tolkien’s Second Age, Galadriel’s casting may provide some story hints, since the elf’s experiences during this period are documented in other Tolkien works.
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Galadriel’s role in the First Age is a relatively minor one. The character arrives in Middle-earth full of aspirations to preside over a realm of her own after joining a rebellion in her homeland of Valinor. After finally moving to Middle-earth, Galadriel remains entirely neutral during the struggles against Sauron’s predecessor, Morgoth, since she doesn’t believe the battle can be won. Even when most of her clan had depart for home, Galadriel stays behind in Middle-earth, where she would marry Celeborn. Together, they build the land of Eregion, enjoying a fruitful working relationship with the local dwarves, and when Celebrimbor took over leadership, Galadriel and her husband moved on to Lothlórien. It’s in this fabled forest where Galadriel finally becomes embroiled in the overall Lord of the Rings story.
After Galadriel left Eregion, Sauron approached the realm in disguise and manipulated Celebrimbor and his followers into creating the Rings of Power. While many were taken in by Sauron’s promises and charm, Galadriel was suspicious and openly spoke out against this new supposed friend of the elves. When Sauron’s true intentions were finally revealed, Galadriel helped with removing the rings from Sauron’s grasp, taking one for herself and hiding it within the safety of Lothlórien. After the One Ring had been taken from Sauron’s hand, Galadriel used her own Ring of Power to ensure Lothlórien was protected from evil, allowing the land to stay pure in otherwise dark times. Along with Gandalf, Saruman and Elrond, Galadriel conspired against Sauron, perhaps learning from her past inaction against Morgoth.
Perhaps Galadriel’s chief arc prior to The Lord of the Rings is her transformation from someone who wouldn’t stand against Morgoth because she saw no hope of victory, to a figure who was instrumental in the formation of the White Council against Sauron. This growth is typical of the struggle between despair and hope that underpins the entire Lord of the Rings story and Sauron’s deception of the elves remains a key part of Tolkien’s mythology yet to make the full transition into live-action.
While Galadriel’s role in the Second Age isn’t a hugely significant one, her position as one of the first to oppose Sauron is vital and this might provide some indication of where Amazon’s series will draw its inspiration. Certainly, the casting implies a large role for Lothlórien and the elves as a people, since Galadriel has little role outside of her own lands. Alternatively, the series could be taking advantage of Galadriel’s relatively sparse history in the Second Age and spin out an entirely original arc for this Lord of the Rings character that fits between Tolkien’s own writings.
More: Lord Of The Rings: Why Jackson Added Elves To Helm’s Deep
