Legolas
Legolas is a male literary character who features in Middle-earth.
Contents |
Biography
Legolas was the male Elven son of Thranduil who was the King of the Woodland Realm of Northern Mirkwood on Middle-earth.
He later attended the Council of Elrond in Rivendell where he acted on behalf of his father to discuss Gollum's escape from their guard. the great meeting held by the Elf lord Elrond, as a messenger from his father to discuss the escape of Gollum. When the council was choosing the "Nine Walkers" to pit against the "Nine Riders," Legolas volunteered to represent the Elves, and to become one of the members of the Fellowship that would set out to destroy the One Ring.
For the early part of the quest, the nine companions walked single file, Gandalf leading, Legolas, with his keen eyes, providing the rearguard. When the Company came to Hollin, Legolas was very deeply moved: the wholesome air yet spoke of the Elves that dwelt there long ago, and his sharp ears heard the very stones crying out for grief at their departure and memory of their ways. As they ascended Caradhras, Legolas in his light shoes could walk on top of the snow, whereas the others were forced to trudge and wade their way forward. But snow or no snow, nothing could dampen his buoyant Elven spirit, and he joked lightly with Gandalf even at the darkest moments. He scouted ahead and behind the company, dancing over the snow with great ease, and brought news that the storm was, as they had been fearing, put out to stop them by some Power greater than they. When this report arrived, Gandalf reluctantly decided to abandon the idea of crossing by the Redhorn Gate. Legolas stayed close by the Hobbits on the dangerous descent. At the bottom of the mountain, the company took a vote as to whether or not to attempt passing through Moria. Legolas was silent until asked his opinion, and then said simply and seemingly reluctantly, "I do not wish to go to Moria." His loyalty and respectful deference to the decisions of the two leaders, Aragorn and Gandalf, extended even to following them through darkness and unknown horror; of all the Company, he was arguably the most loyal to leadership. When the voices of the Wargs were heard and the attack began, Legolas did perhaps more than anyone save Gandalf, shooting numerous Wargs and even collecting his spent arrows to fire again, retrieving them, like a responsible bowman, after the fight ended. The Fellowship reached the West Gate of Moria, and were halted by the doors fast shut. At last gaining entrance, the Company, following Gandalf's staff, began their march through Moria, a pit so profoundly dark that even Legolas' eyes could see nothing. He served his turn, like the others, in lookout duty through the night on the march. When they came to the Chamber of Mazarbul and were brought to battle by the Orcs, Legolas dispatched at least two before following the others out the east door, having to drag Gimli away from Balin's tomb. When Durin's Bane made its frightful appearance, Legolas was the first to recognize it as a Balrog, and it is the only recorded time he was ever truly afraid: a Balrog held far more terror for an Elf than for any other, for only they remembered where the Demons of Fire had come from and whom they had first served.
Once the company reach the Woods of Lothlórien, Galadriel and Celeborn inquire about Gandalf. Only Legolas is able to tell them about the loss, bitterly lamenting their needless trip through Moria. But Galadriel deems that none of Gandalf's deeds were needless, even if the trip through Moria resulted in his demise. The Elven lady later gives gifts to the Fellowship. Legolas receives a new bow of the Galadhrim, which he subsequently uses for the rest of his journey. While travelling down the river, Gimli laments how sorry he is to have left Lothlórien and the beauty of Galadriel. Legolas inquires as to what her gift was for him, to which Gimli confesses "I asked for one hair from her golden head. She gave me three". Legolas is amused, at which point their attitudes begin to soften. During their trip down the river, Legolas's far sight alerts him to the presence of the Uruk-hai scouts bearing down on them. At Parth Galen, Legolas urges Aragorn to lead them away immediately, as he can sense the Uruk-hai approaching. The Elf is called to action once more as the company is soon attacked. He arrives in time to see Boromir's final moments before he succumbs to his wounds. After they send Boromir's body along the river in one of the boats, Legolas prepares to follow Frodo and Sam, but seeing Aragorn hesitate he realises that the Ranger doesn't intend to follow them. Aragorn deems that they must rescue Merry and Pippin from the Uruk-hai. While disappointed at first, the Elf sees hope in that the Fellowship still hold true. Therefore he eagerly joins Aragorn and Gimli in hunting down the Uruks.
Afterwards, he came to stay for the coronation of Aragorn II Elessar and his marriage to Arwen.
Overview
Personality and attributes
His name when translated into English meant 'Greenleaf'.
Similar to all Elves, he had great respect and appreciation for nature.
Originally, he and the dwarf Gimli did not get along with one another due to the ancient quarrel between Elves and Dwarves.
Powers and abilities
Legolas was one of the Sindar race of Elves.
As an elf, Legolas had all the typical traits of his people that he honed for use. He was able to walk silently through grass and snow whilst leaving only the barest of footprints behind allowing him to remain undetected.
He was a master archer, unmatched by any other during his time, capable of shooting adversaries from afar, and on occasion kill more than one with a single arrow, as shown when he nailed two orcs through the throat in Moria. His skill with a bow was even more formidable due to his keen eyesight. At the Battle of the Hornburg, he also proved skilled at knife-fighting in close quarters.
At Lothlórien, he was given the long-bow of the Galadhrim which was longer and stouter than those of the fashioned in Mirkwood.
Notes
- Legolas was created by J. R. R. Tolkien where he featured in the setting of the Middle-earth universe.
In other media
Films
- In The Lord of the Rings, Legolas appeared in the live-action film adaptation where he was portrayed by actor Orlando Bloom.
- In The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, Legolas appeared in the live-action film prequel where he was once again portrayed by actor Orlando Bloom. It was shown that he was attracted to fellow Elven warrior Tauriel who helped protect their kingdom.
Video games
Appearances
- The Lord of the Rings: (1954)
External Links
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