The Fantasy Review’s brief history of Galadriel.
If you have been watching Rings of Power and want to know more about who Galadriel is before the second series comes out on 29 August 2024, here is a brief history of Galadriel, from her beginnings to the end of the events in The Lord of the Rings books by J.R.R. Tolkien.
Who is Galadriel?
Born in Eldamar during the ages of Starlight, Galadriel was a Noldor princess of the Noldor of Tirion. Her father was Finfarfin and she had four siblings: Finrod, Orodreth, Angrod and Aegnor. She later traveled to Middle-Earth, forsaking her homeland and leading a group of Noldor elves.
During the First Age of the Sun, she lived in Nargothrond with her brother, Finrod. She later moved to Doriath and married Celeborn. In Doriath, she learned much from the Maia.
Galadriel’s Appearance
She was tall and beautiful, with long golden hair like her mother, Eärwen. Galadriel was known as the “lady of light”, Altariel, which is the Quenya form of Galadriel. Additionally, her name Galadriel means “radiantly-garlanded [crowned]-maiden” in Sindarin.
Galadriel’s Many Names
Known, respected, and admired by many in Middle-Earth, Galadriel was called:
- The Lady of Lorien
- Galadhriel, meaning “tree-garland”
- The Lady of the Wood
- The Lady of the Galadrim
- The Sorceress of the Golden Wood (by Gríma Wormtongue)
- The Mistress of Magic (By Faramir)
- The White Lady
History of Galadriel Before The War of the Ring
With Celeborn, Galadriel had one child, Celebrían, and they lived together in Lindon during the Second Age. Celebrían would later go on to marry Elrond and be the mother to Arwen.
In the Eighth century of the Second Age, Galadriel and her family moved to Eregion, the realm of the Elven-smith.
Eventually, Galadriel and Celeborn traveled across the Misty Mountains to the Golden Wood where they would rule over Lothlórien.
Galadriel was the only leader of the Noldor to survive the Wars of Beleriand. At the end of the First Age, she was banned from returning to Valinor. Of which, she ‘replied proudly that she had no wish to do so’.
The War of the Ring and Beyond
Galadriel gave shelter to The Fellowship of the Ring on their journey to destroy the One Ring. When offered the One Ring by Frodo, she refused to wield its power. She also imparted magical gifts to the members of the fellowship.
During the war, she would repel three invasion attempts on Lothlórien and even bring down the walls of Dol Guldur and defeat the enemy in Mirkwood.
Once the War of the Ring had ended, Galadriel sailed to the Undying Lands with other Elves, ring bearers (such as Frodo and Bilbo), and Gandalf. She was only allowed to return to Valinor (by the Valor) due to her actions against Sauron over the centuries.
